Double Knockout Rose

CAROL LINK: Kilgos of Ivalee community have comfortable, welcoming home, landscape

In addition to an assortment of flowering plants, the comfortable wrap-a-round porch, complete with a matching pair of old-fashioned wooden rockers, is wrapped with shrubs and highlighted by collection of beautiful Double Knockout roses.

To the right of the extended asphalt driveway leading up from the road below to the residence, a rustic wooden fence defines the perimeters of expansive pastureland where horses graze.

During their 35 years together, the Kilgos have owned several homes. In 1990, they purchased the property in Ivalee. Eventually they sold their former home, and, nine years ago, they constructed a new home on a prime spot on top of the hill.

The focal point of the front landscape is a large flowing planting bed replete with roses, shrubs, irises, ornamental grasses, plant containers, statuary, sedum and natural rocks. Pine needles form a coverlet for the planting beds, giving the area a clean, well-kept appearance.

Along the front foundation are Indian hawthorns and hollies. Along the left foundation are Encore azaleas and a leatherleaf Mahonia. At the top of the hill, a brick inlaid walkway leads from the driveway to the front porch. The landscape also features a beautiful riverbirch and a couple of crape myrtles.

The lovely pink “Seven Sisters” rose bush situated in a planting bed to the left of the front entrance is one that Gary salvaged from his mother’s home after her death. His dad purchased the plant for his mother many years ago.

Now, with both of his parents gone, by transplanting the rose, he preserved a bit of history as well as a special family memory.

“We just plant a little of this and that,” Jean says.

“Gary does most of the planting. He has a good eye — a better vision than I do.”

A planting bed along the driveway at the top of the hill features a couple of large loropetalums, a few hostas and some liriope. Another bed to the right of the driveway features a birdbath and daylilies.

Gary and Jean have three sons and three grandchildren.

In 2004, Gary retired from the phone company.

Over the years, Jean operated her own beauty shop, and, at one point, worked for the Medicaid office in Gadsden.

In 2009, she retired completely.

The interior of the Kilgo home and the landscape are welcoming, well-organized, tastefully decorated, neat and comfortable.

Under Jean’s direction, along the rear of the house, overlooking the woods out back, Gary is converting an open porch into a screened porch, complete with a fireplace, which will provide additional gathering space for family and friends.

Plant Spotlight- Double Knock Out Roses | Business Finance Ideas ...

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The Queen of the Garden, roses have been a time honored tradition in gardens around the world.  Known for their outstanding beauty and grace, roses are cultivated and loved as no other plant in the landscape.  But roses have a dark side, they are also known as the divas of the plant world.  With their high maintenance stance and thorny disposition, roses are also the bane of the gardener.  Whether it is battling one pest after another or diagnosing and treating a disease, hours and hours are spent just in taking care of this delicate flower.

That is why, in the 1980s, rose breeder and botanist, William Radler developed the Knock Out Rose and the Double Knock Out Rose.  His goal was to create a low maintenance rose that was cold hardy and resistant to diseases, such as black spot.  His endeavors earned him the prestigious 2000 All-America Rose Selections award for this beautiful rose shrub and broke records for sales of a new rose.  With a pedigree like that, how can you not want this plant in your landscape?

If that was not enough, then you might be swayed by the Double Knock Out Rose’s gorgeous blooms that contain twice the amount of petals per blossom than the Knock Out Rose.  Shrubs such as the Double Pink Knock Out Rose, also bloom longer than traditional roses, from early June until the first hard frost.  With no need to deadhead, its drought tolerance and ability to be planted in full sun or shade, this rose is a low maintenance treasure.  Just make sure it gets plenty of indirect sunlight when planted in the shade.

Planting

1.       Choose a location .  The Double Knock Out can be added nearly anywhere in your garden that needs a splash of color or a plant to anchor the landscape.

2.       Dig a hole that is twice as wide and twice as deep as the container and mix organic materials into the existing soil.

3.       Remove the rose from the container .  Trim any broken or dead stems and leaves.  If roots are root bound, gently loosen them before planting.

4.       Plant the rose in the center of the hole.  If planting in Zones 5 or colder, make sure to plant the shrub a little deeper into the soil.

5.       Fill the hole with remaining dirt, pressing firmly in place to remove any air pockets.

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