Even with cones it is advisable to mound some soil around the bud union. Be sure to weigh the cone with brick or rock. This may sound like a great deal of work, but next year when the sight and fragrance of your roses fills your senses you will know it was all worth the effort. The Champaign County Master Gardeners Idea Garden has been a true jewel this year. It is hard to believe it is only three years old.
Volunteers do all the work and raise all the money that keeps the garden going.
They plan, plant, fertilize, water, weed and worry over each inch. The garden is a gift from the Master Gardeners to the community. The majority of people who visit the garden are caring and appreciative. How disheartening it is when someone comes in and steals plants. Recently a selfish, pretend-gardener decimated our dwarf conifer garden.