Hello Dear Rose Friends,
As we edge very close to the end of this most spectacular autumn, we head-long into our busiest season, winter.
I’m not suggesting for a moment that any of you should follow our lead but simply because we’re waiting for the bare-rooted roses to be dug, we’re getting stuck into pruning. The small number of pots left in the nursery are now pruned – they’ve got lots of stored nutrient in the coir-fibre potting media so they might start to shoot if conditions are mild.
New Growth & the Cold
New growth may freeze if it gets extremely cold, like down to minus 8 as it has done here, but we don’t really expect it to be that cold just yet. As we gardeners well know, one season is entirely different from the next. We have our fingers crossed that our roses will be ok.
So, should you prune your roses now?
No, not unless it’s absolutely necessary! Let them lose their foliage and harden up for winter, let them have a break, a holiday. They’ll enjoy it that you’re not out there expecting them to produce even more beautiful flowers. No fertilizer needed, no spray program, just let them get on with winter dormancy.
Once the bushes are pruned in June/July/August you can start all the fussing again with a spray and fertilizer immediately after pruning and monthly from then onwards.
Great information sharing in response to the use of Canola mulch in favour of pea straw or sugar-cane mulch:
"Hi Graham and Diana, Regarding the question on Canola mulch by Ann, it is possible herbicide residue rather than insecticides that pose the problem. Any pyralid herbicides (hormone-based, slow breakdown, remain and move-in system for long periods) could impact on the growth of your garden plants. See references below.
https://www.the-compost-gardener.com/picloram.html
https://www.organicgardener.com.au/blogs/herbicide-alert
They have long plant-back times so may not be used as much by growers than other herbicides, but unless you can ask the grower/supplier of the mulch, you won’t know for sure. This "
We invite you, our Rose Rambler readers to contribute and share your experiences. Please email: info@rosesalesonline.com.au with a story or pictures of your roses, insects which are bothersome and need identification, or any particular rose gardening issue which you think is helpful to fellow rose gardeners. Thank you to Simone for this feedback which is a very important reminder to all of us to take care with what we use in our gardens!
For a giggle:
Q. How can you tell if a tree is a dogwood tree?
A. By its bark!
Usually, we have lots of ‘memorial roses’ still available around the time of Anzac Day Remembrance. Recently, we had sold out so are happy to offer this special package of bare-rooted roses which will be posted immediately.
Be sure to have three holes dug and prepared with added compost. These magnificent roses will flourish and be flowering from this November and every Anzac Day for years to come …
Planting these beauties, I would recommend Gallipoli Centenary Shrub Rose in the centre with the other two, very stately bi-coloured roses on either side – all these varieties will be stunning in a vase together!
Gallipoli Centenary Rose A very tough and dense-growing, upright bush, this rose has all the health and disease resistance famous in a Kordes latest release. Large, elegant, deep velvet red unfading blooms are produced in clusters or singly framed by mid-green leaves, over a long flowering period. SHOP NOW!
Remember Me “REMEMBER ME in your heart, your thoughts and your memories is written on the rose tag and this rose is indeed purchased very frequently as a memorial plant. I am always so pleased that it is such a robust and sturdy rose so that even the most amateur gardener would be unlikely to be unsuccessful growing this rose. SHOP NOW!
The R.S.L. Rose Perfectly formed medium-sized blooms of deep, dark red with a golden/brass reverse. The bush produces healthy, glossy foliage and flowers profusely when the flowers are cut continually for a vase indoors. Royalty payment to RSL. SHOP NOW!
One last giggle before you go:
Q. What did the picture say to the wall?
A. First, they framed me and now they’ve hung me!
Enjoy these last days of autumn in your garden … Gra, Diana, Mooi and the chickens!