'Rambling Rector' rose

That looks lovely,

That looks amazing Shirley !

I love to see a good Rambler. They are jut so joyful aren't they. :))

Glad you like it too Ladies! I'm after some advice as the wooden arbour, made by our lovely neighbour about 5 years ago, is beginning to rock around in the wind so we would like to put a stronger one up in the Autumn. So what happens to the rambling Rose and the Clematis? Do I cut them hard back in the Autumn and then install a new arbour? Any info. most welcome!

That's a sight for sore eyes :)

Could you strengthen the arch with some new posts attached and concreted in? Would be cheaper and less work?

..or..if the problem is the weight of the rose...how about a much bigger arch erected right over the top of this one..then you wouldn't have to lose all that lovely rambling growth.

Waddy, just a shame it doesn't bloom for months, rather than weeks!

Karen, the bigger arch idea has given me food for thought ... just need to make a drawing for OH to understand my thinking!

:)

Wow thats fantastic!!

Thanks Carole ... the Bees like it too.

I see you have the same conundrum that I have Shirley, do we chop or do we leave and fit another frame/arch around, think I am opting for the fit another frame around and take out my old metal arch after I have tied in the rose. I am a scaredy cat about cutting back climbers when they are so big. But after saying that Michaella2000 has done a chop back on one of hers and it did it no harm so think we could be brave and have a go at a haircut. lol.

ps you could always tie it down with some strong rope and climb a clematis up the rope to hide/disguise the rope.

Barbara, we are still thinking about the arch and, like you, are concerned about cutting a rambling Rose down too much! I like the idea of a rustic pergola along that border, OH not so keen.

Hb, watch this space ... lol!