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rose bush donation #398009

Asked May 05, 2017, 2:53 PM EDT

Good morning, First off I want to thank you for the plant sale at the Fairgrounds.I received some helpful information and even bought some plants. I have 2 questions: 1. Do you have, or know of a plant exchange or "free to a good home" site to let others know I have approximately 20 rose bushes to donate? My husband and I recently bought a house and the previous owner LOVED roses. Unfortunately, I do not. My general philosophy is if I can't eat it, I don't want to bother with it and my experience is roses are high maintenance. I plan to spade around the root balls now for fall transplanting. Any information would be helpful. I've emailed this same query to the Oregon rose society and haven't heard back. My next stop is posting on "Nextdoor.com" 2. I am interested in buying a bat box. What are some good resources for buying and locating one (or more) on our property?

Marion County Oregon

Expert Response

Thanks for your questions about roses and bats.  First, the bats.  Here is a link to an excellent article about bat houses and why they 'succeed' or do not.  As referenced in that article, here is another link to a list of manufacturers whose houses meet certification requirements.

Second, the roses.  I am an individual and do not qualify as a plant exchange (although I'd be happy to give you some), but I work with 2 school gardens, a church garden, and a community garden in my role as a Seed to Supper volunteer and Master Gardener.  Because roses do a reasonably good job attracting pollinators, I like to plant them in and around vegetable gardens, which have plants needing pollination.  They also serve as a training ground for nascent gardeners, to teach subjects like pruning, fungicides and insect protection.

If you're not planning to dig up the bushes until fall (the best transplant time), that would give me adequate time to get the beds prepared at the schools and/or community garden.

Thanks for your offer.  Hope this information is helpful!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 05, 2017, 3:55 PM EDT
Yes!  This information was very helpful.  Pease let me know if there's anything I need to do now to help ID the plants if needed (pictures of blooms, etc.)  that would help in the fall.  I am located in Salem and don't have any containers the size (2 gal. or bigger) yet, but will be on the lookout.  Is this the best option for contacting you late August/early Sept. to coordinate this?  
Gloria Koenig
The Question Asker Replied May 07, 2017, 7:40 AM EDT
Thank you, Gloria! Labelling bushes with colors is appreciated but not essential. Easier communication method is <personal data hidden>. Looking forward to fall!
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 07, 2017, 9:45 AM EDT

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