That would make for a colder zone effect in the Winter, jj, for your roses which probably is not what you would want. Here, it would cause dryer and hotter conditions in the Summer which I would not want. It would be better for annuals and veggies only in your zone I would think.

Raised bed roses might be good in a wet warm climate or the coastal PNW where freezing is not a problem.

Thank you, Sheila. I was thinking about the points you had mentioned as well.

I am Zone 8 a so I don't have the weather related issues that you would have, but, my husband built me 4 boxes 36 36 36inches out of pressure treated lumber which you wouldn't want to use for veggies but is fine for roses. Because of my Zone I don't worry about freezing which you probably would. Maybe you could wrap the boxes in the winter.

Thanks Kristine. I am currently looking at all the possibilities. I will keep your advice in mind.

I'm in zone 5a Wisconsin, and have raised beds (1 railroad tie high) with roses in them. I have not lost any roses to cold, but I do mound them with mulch each fall after Thanksgiving. I planted any grafted knots 3-4 inches below the soil line, own roots are planted at the soil line. I have maybe 50 roses. Some Austin's: Lady of Shalott, The Lark Ascending, Royal Jubilee, Golden Celebration, Munstead Wood, Jude the Obscure, Lilian Austin and Shropshire Lad. In the spring I do have to cut them back due to blackened canes sometimes, but I don't have room for the large rose bushes anyways, I like them to be about 4 feet by end of summer.

Thank you Nola. So it is possible if done right. Your garden must be very beautiful.

Oh wow you have a stunning garden. It has a timeless feel to it. I never knew you can create this look with cedar. i found my inspiration. Thank you.

Thank you for your kind words! I didn't use cedar ties, I used treated lumber ties. Treated ties would not be ok for vegetables or anything edible, but for roses it is fine as far as I know. Cedar ties are probably much more expensive and maybe would last longer than these and are prettier. I think these have been in for approximately 20 years and a few need replacing. My husband built the whole garden for me, except the gazebo which he says is the most expensive "free" gazebo yet, because we got it for free but a lot of the parts were rotted and had to be replaced as well as the roof. It had been located at a mini golf course, that was being torn down after sale for development. So I guess we rescued it? Lol Anyways, it's a small garden but much loved. :) I can't wait to see pictures of your garden, maybe step by step on here!

Nola, your garden is fabulous! Your rraised beds are wonderful!

I have been overwhelmed with weeds this year. I keep planting ground cover to choke it out but so far I am still fighting the weed battle

Thank you Kristine, that's really nice of you! I wish ground cover would do it! I am fighting something called Dock and it is impossible to get rid of. You can see it in the fountain raised bed picture above, it's on the right with the sun shining on it running along the timber, like it's waving at me "nananabooboo"! Bane of my existence. This year I saved all my Amazon boxes, cut them up and laid them wherever there was a bare spot, then threw the mulch on. It does cut down a little but my beds are full of other plants so it's not like I will ever wipe it out. This stuff sends out underground runners, so pulling won't do it. :)

Purslane is my nemesis along with a few of her besties