Hello Dear Rose Friends,
SURPRISE, SURPRISE … one week earlier than anticipated but you know what? I missed writing this Rose Rambler to you and found myself waking in the night because I’d forgotten to tell you this or that …
Best we don’t have a ‘break’ because just like yourselves, when planning a ‘break’, Covid seems to step up and we’re back in Lockdown again.
We’ve been working around the clock to get orders finalized. We’re not there just yet but I hope that the first week of September will be a ‘wrap’ and we’ll be able to take our magnificent team of assistants out for a sumptuous dinner and celebrate one of the most difficult and busy seasons in the history of “Silkies – rosesalesonline” . We wish you could all come to dinner with us because you’ve been so caring and kind, patient in the extreme. Your testimonials are amazing, and we are hugely grateful!
Next week is spring, our roses are starting to bud in readiness for flowering in November. Those of you who already have flowers can start sending your ‘brag’ shots and I’ll share with the Victorian’s patiently waiting for theirs to flower around Melbourne Cup.
We didn’t quite get all the roses pruned but ho, hum … it happens in times when everything else takes precedence! I’m not one bit concerned because I’ll do winter pruning this summer. Rather than prune 1/3 off during summer, we’ll prune at least 1/2 of each stem and just as our gardens are adapting to global warming, they’ll adapt to heavy summer pruning in favour of heavy winter pruning.
Seaweed solution poured over the plants no less than monthly but more frequently if you have the time or inclination will protect your roses from all and any stresses! Fertilizer is very important now too. Seaweed is NOT fertilizer. It is a plant tonic and does a power of good in the soil, around the roots, feeding soil microbes, etc.
Such an easy process of a small scoop of Eco-seaweed powder in a watering can. Fill the can to dissolve the powder and slosh the solution over all the plants in your garden. Yes, over the foliage if you’re doing this before lunch-time! Never, ever, wet your roses later in the day because the leaves will stay wet overnight and potentially cause fungal disease.
SAY IT WITH FLOWERS
I read this story: “Gary entered a busy florist shop that displayed a large sign which read: “SAY IT WITH FLOWERS”. “Please, wrap up one rose.” he asked. “Only one?” inquired the florist. “Yeah, I’m a man of few words.”
If you want to say it with flowers and be really impressive, why not send one of the following gift roses … beautifully gift wrapped, carded with your personal message, gift boxed and posted to surprise the recipient:
BEST FRIEND: This magnificent rose was named by the R.S.P.C.A to honour the unconditional love and special friendship which all animal lovers cherish. This exquisite rose produces long, strong stems of the most highly fragrant bright pink roses which are ideally suited for flower arrangements.
LOVING MEMORY: produces a continual display of perfectly formed medium-dark red blooms on a very sturdy and healthy bush. This magnificent rose is highly recommended for gifting to the 'least garden friendly' person when you want to offer a lasting loving memory in the event of a death - it is such a resilient and hardy rose!
GOLDEN BEAUTY: This floribunda is a great performer in hot dry climates, with gorgeous dark gold, cupped blooms that don’t fade. It’s a healthy and vigorous plant, highly recommended for any garden.
Enjoy the cozy warmth of your home during these last days of winter 2021, a winter which we will all remember for more reasons than one. Take care, be kind to yourself and relish in the gorgeous blossom of spring. Best wishes from Graham, Diana, Mooi and the great team here at Silkies Rose Farm