In November of 2008, the staff at Munsinger and Clemens Gardens put the roses to bed for the winter in a new way. Instead of using the Minnesota Tip Method of winter protection (laying the roses down and covering with soil and layers of straw), they covered each rose beds with insulated construction blankets.
Construction blankets are insulated blankets used in the curing of concrete projects during the winter, protecting the ground underneath from freezing. They are comprised of eight layers of nominal 1/16" Microfoam insulation, sandwiched between one layer of nominal 7 mil reflective coated poly (one surface only) and one layer of non-reflective poly (black color exterior).
The Gardens purchased the blankets with donations received from local garden clubs, the Munsinger and Clemens Botanical Society, and other supporters of the gardens. The gardens purchased about 42 slightly used 6' x 25' and eight new 12' x 25' blankets. In addition, sixteen used construction blankets were donated by Melrose area contractor Harry Kraemer.
The blankets were a great savings of labor, being applied by three staff persons instead of the many staff members needed in past years to tip and cover the roses for the winter. They also saved on the cost of straw and costs related to application, clean up, and removal of straw.
Prior to covering, roses were cut back to a height of 8 inches and covered with several shovel scoops of compost as additional winter mulch. When the blankets were removed the second week of April, many of the plants were already green and sprouting new growth. Within a week a number of the miniature roses were fully leafed out. The use of the blankets resulted in very little loss of roses. Even though the plants are shorter due to the fall cut back, they are vigorously growing and may result in an earlier display of blooms.
The Virginia Clemens Rose Garden thanks all the donors who supported this project.
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