"Jean S. Barto" wrote:

Hi Folks--

Just wanted to let you all know that I planted 15 of my 16 shrub roses on
Wednesday and Thursday

Congratulations Jean. That's a very good day's labor.


The last specimen, a second *Marmalade Skies* is still soaking in water
because my Honda mini-tiller died (loose throttle cable, I think) and I have
to take it for repair. I tried digging a hole for this last rose in both
the *primary* and *alternate* locations, and the soil is too tough/clay-like
for me to get through even with a shovel with serrated edge.

If you want to get it dug sooner, try deep watering the area then leaving it for
a day or two. Often clay soil will dig most easily if damp. But let it drain
well before messing with it or you'll damage the soil structure.

Since it's possible I won't be able to plant this last rose for about a
week, am I able to keep this rose's roots soaking in water that long, or
should I do my best to plant the rose where I'm best able to make a good
*home* for it??

As you've already heard, long soaking really is not a problem. And I take none
of the precautions Allegra mentioned, re changing the water.

Regina