Want roses? Grab your shovel; it’s time to dig in!

There comes a time in every rose gardener’s life: Where are you going to plant another bush?

Often, the answer may be: Take one out.

It’s called “shovel pruning” – the hard choice to dig up a bush that, no matter your efforts, just isn’t performing as expected.

Or maybe this problematic bush is just in the wrong place. Then it needs one more chance – in a better location. How do you transplant a bush that’s already been growing in the ground?

For that matter, what’s the best way to transplant any rose bush – from those that come packed in plastic to others rooted in a supposedly biodegradable pot?

Here’s your chance to find out! Our rosarians will tackle transplanting, shovel pruning and other timely tasks during the January meeting of the Sacramento Rose Society. Moderator Debbie Arrington, a master rosarian and co-creator of Sacramento Digs Gardening, will lead a panel discussion on the different ways to approach these jobs.

January is the best month to transplant roses in our area. The soil is soft from rain, yet still warm enough for root development. Put in the ground now, these new bushes will likely produce roses this spring.

The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at Shepard Garden and Arts Center, 3330 McKinley Blvd., Sacramento, in McKinley Park. Parking and admission are free.

As always, rose society meetings are open to the public. Bring a friend!

Want advice about pruning, fertilization and other aspects of winter rose care? Check out the Winter Rose Care Workshop, hosted by the Sierra Foothills Rose Society. To be held at the Orangevale Grange Auditorium, this free public event will be held Saturday, Jan. 13, starting with registration at 8:30 a.m. and ending with a lunchtime chili cookoff.