Thanks Patty. I have calmed down some. I didn't expect such robust roots!

I have now watched 7 videos on planting bare root roses, including the David Austin publication. Of them all, I like Martha Stewart's video I found here: Martha Stewart planting bare root roses. It sums up the rest and brings all the information together in my mind nicely. I'm not so sure about using Epsom salts as fertilizer on a new plant if ever. I don't have any in the house, so I probably won't hurry out to buy some.

I am in 6B, but with our river valley weather, I am going to give myself a more conservative 6A planting zone. I will be burying the graft if for no other reason to keep the extremely strong winds from ripping my roses out and delivering them next door. On top of that, we have subzero Fahrenheit days coupled with persistent winds. I think wind is the biggest enemy here, but the cold snaps get pretty bad.

Tomorrow I am going to plant about half of these. I intend on taking my time. After all, enjoying the roses doesn't have to only be about smelling them. I'm going to love these little plants from the tips of their roots to the tops of their blossoms. :)

Mustang Guy,

mini grocery store roses weren't scary at all, but i distinctly remember receiving my first order of expensive antique roses. Mortified is a great description. I've never had to do an emergency trachiotomy with a pen, and hope the need never arises. I'll have to see if Martha Stewart has a walk through.
You were brave to take on such a monumental project. It sounds like your roses are in good hands.

When my first Austin bloomed it was so amazing, it looked just like the picture, but it was mine.

My first Engish Rose Evelyn
and Taz feeling neglected ever since

Great pic mudpie! :-)

Happy planting Mustang Guy!

Don't forget to install something to tie your climbers onto or you will end up with just a big bush. I installed some 4x4x5' posts (cut 10' ones in half), with 2' in the ground, 3' above. Then I drilled and ran heavy gauge wire from post to post. That allows me to have the climbers going horizontal instead of vertical. More blooms that way.

It sounds like you've got the situation totally under control, Mustang Guy; don't worry. The more robust the roots are, the better! Be sure to loosen up the rootball really well if the plants are potted. If bare-root, it's OK even to shorten the ends of the roots a bit; some nurseries actually recommend this...

Toolbelt68 How many rows of vertical wires did you put in? This sounds like the answer to a project I want to do and very affordable too.

I used #9 wire -- which is very strong so you may want to use a smaller gauge wire or use

Not too tight on the turnbuckle or you will pull your end posts over. If you want tight, you should also install a guy wire into the ground like they use on telephone poles:

Mustang, here is my first rose planting story... I read the directions and dug the 24" deep holes...5 total. Then I planted the roses. I realized afterwards that I forgot to mix in the compost, so I dug them all up and replanted them in the pouring rain!!!!!! With all the mud slop I had in the end, I doubt whether the compost did any good. The roses thrived and grew like crazy, though. :) Have FUN planting!! My 6 Perditas are coming grafted from David Austin this week!! I am so excited, I am having trouble sleeping!

Rebecca

p.s. I usually put the dirt in the hole halfway, then water it in well and let it drain... Then fill up the rest of the hole and make a well around it. I bury the graft 4-6 inches down because I live in zone 4. That way I never have to cover my roses and they survive my 30 below zero winters.

I can't tell you how many I have stuffed into too-small holes, and they have been fine. It doesn't have to be perfect. The important thing is to make sure there are no air pockets, and to water them in very well. Exhale.

Mustang, that's a good way to take all of the tension out of the wire. Now, how did they get that car up onto the wire... hmmm Maybe that is a 'Mustang' car... lol