>Someone told me a few years ago that when planting and growing roses, the SLEEP, CREEP, LEAP rule of thumb applies. I have followed this advice after planting 2 David Austin Roses named “Golden Celebration”. I was not thrilled with the performance of this rose after the first year and almost shovel pruned them both. I am so glad I didn’t. Here are a few shots from each growing season. I have yet to see a re-bloom on these roses, despite David Austins claims of constant re-bloom. They receive the same water and fertilizer that all my other roses receive.
2008 – SLEEP
Allow your plant to become acclimated and put down some roots.
Planted March 2008
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2009 – CREEP
You will see some steady growth, some good foliage and a few blooms.
Bud from 2009
A few blooms from 2009
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2010 – LEAP!
Now reaching a stage of vigor, the plant should come into its own in your garden.
This one has been a show stopper for me this year!
Lessons learned:
In our point and click society, I was looking for an instant winner. A rose that would spring up out of the ground immediately and WOW us every month with fabulous blooms. What I learned was that good things come to those who have patience and the good sense to listen to the advice of people who have traveled down the same road.
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About Chris VanCleave - America's Favorite Rose Gardener
Christopher R. VanCleave – America’s Favorite Rose Gardener
Nicknamed "The Redneck Rosarian”, Chris VanCleave is passionate about gardening and growing roses. He is an active member of the Birmingham chapter of the American Rose Society, serving two terms as President. In 2007, he created the Rose Chat Podcast which has reached over a half a million listeners with news and information on growing on growing the world’s most beloved flower, the rose.
He was a contributor to the 2015 Southern Living Gardening Book, has appeared on P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home television show and was featured in the June 2015 issue of Southern Living Magazine. Locally, Chris serves as Chairman of the Helena Alabama Beautification Board where he has spearheaded efforts to create a sustainable landscape in one of the top one hundred places to live in the United States.
His writing is seen at About.com and on his popular website; RedneckRosarian.com, where he chronicles his gardening adventures and explores an intrinsic mix of life, faith and gardening.
An agent of change with over 20 years’ experience in process innovation, Mr. VanCleave is leading the charge to reinvigorate horticultural societies and helping them to reach their full potential in the social media age.
The Redneck Rosarian 
>Hi Chris, my Buff Beauty is about 10 years old. It is a large rose and the only one that I have a place for to let it do what it wants. It is about 5 feet tall and at least 8 ft. wide.I'd love to have Golden Celebration but I don't know where I'd put it! Do you grow a lot of the Austin roses?
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>I did not know that growing theory applied for roses so it is something I will remember now. It is a beauty!
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>You are our guru for all things rose. jim
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>I can totally relate! We live in a fast food convenience world but we learn that roses (and other flowers) do not fit into that mentality. God truly knows best…it's the things we wait for that we appreciate most! GC is a beauty!
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>The three-year comparisons are amazing! I know I have to learn patience when I garden.
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