Although yesterday was the first day of spring, the temperatures here this week are more like mid-summer. While I have been enjoying the sun and warmth it is a bit confusing, not only to me but the plants. Bulbs are popping up and blooming just about everywhere, even in places that are normally covered in snow this time of year.
I am happy to get outside and back to work. These next few weeks will be filled with plenty of spring pruning and weeding. I pruned this row of beach roses (Rosa rugosa) yesterday, and I am still pulling the tiny thorns from my knuckles. These roses are prolific around here on the coast and can be well regulated with a good spring cut. To achieve the height you want, prune them 2-3 feet below where you would like them to be at the end of the summer (they can even handle being chopped to an inch or two above the soil line). This row will reach about 6 inches above the fence by August.
