Free Rose Blossoms & Cuttings at Sorosis Park this Saturday

Oct 20

Written By Columbia Community Connection

By Dana Greyson

The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 20, 2026 — Roses don’t like getting whipped around any more than we do. As colder weather comes, it’s important they get a trim to protect them from breaking in freezing winter winds. That means it’s time to trim them now, even though they’re still blooming.

Wasco County Master Gardeners Association will be at Sorosis’ Veteran’s Memorial Rose Garden this Saturday, October 24, at 10:30 a.m., preparing the roses there for winter.

There are still some blossoms left which are sure to be pruned off— we‘d much rather you enjoy them in a bouquet than throw them into the compost heap. There is a large Yellow Rose of Texas (also known as a Harrison Yellow Rose or the Oregon Trail Rose) available for cuttings for propagation. You’ll want it in a big space, which is why we’ll be rehoming that rosebush in the future, if you’re interested.

Whether you

Would like to learn more about how to properly put your roses to bed for winter
Want to make sure those pruned roses don’t go to waste
Would like some clippings to try to root your own rose
Have some other rose care or home gardening questions

c’mon by.

You’re even welcome to join us pruning. If you do, don’t forget to wear protective clothing, including some burly thorn-proof gloves (like goatskin or welding gloves) and , and bring your favorite clippers. No prior experience needed, just healthy curiosity and good listening skills.

To learn more about this event or Master Gardeners in general, call 541-296-5494, email wasco.mastergardener@oregonstate.edu.