Summer Rose Care
Hello Dear Rose Friends,
From sunny Clonbinane… not a cloud in the sky, it’s finally warm and gosh, you should see our roses, they’re SENSATIONAL to say the least!
It had to happen, but in the meantime, we’ve thrown every possible tonic, spray, fertiliser pellet and our own energy into our pots. We knew that as soon as it was warm enough, all that goodness would return us what we’re now enjoying. Glossy, healthy foliage, magnificent colour in the flowers and fragrance which is breathtaking.
Roses which were posted in past months were definitely smaller than we’ve ever posted at this time of year but we know that they’ll grow beautifully wherever they are planted – this was a time to understand that BIG ISN’T ALWAYS BEST! Since being potted, those roses have toughed-it-out with night after night of frost, rain, wind and the days didn’t offer much respite all through spring.
I’m guessing they’ll be some of the best roses you ever grow in your gardens!
A giggle for you ...
Q: What do you call a snowman with a suntan?
A: A puddle!
Summer Rose Care
After a very slow start and a very wet winter, our roses will now need some extra TLC once the hot sun makes its presence felt.
Watering Roses
Water, water, water = foliage, foliage, foliage = blooms, blooms, blooms!
Time to check that all the drippers on your watering system lines are functioning and the timer is set to deliver approximately 20 litres of water per rose per weekly watering interval. During extremely hot weather, extend this watering time to twice weekly.
Water Access
Being realistic, we understand that not every gardener has access to mains water so in areas where water is scarce, know that your roses will possibly go into summer dormancy and not flower as prolifically.
During such times, it is imperative that the bushes retain every possible foliage cover so they can continue to photosynthesise. They may not flower during this dormancy and you definitely shouldn’t apply fertilizer but rather, retain mulch levels. Even one 10 litre bucket of water per week will almost surely allow your roses to survive even the hottest summer.
Deep Soaking
Where we enjoy the luxury of being able to turn on a tap and apply mains water to our gardens, let’s all remain ‘Water Wise’ and ensure that every drop of water we use in the garden is used sensibly.
Deep soak your roses just once a week or fortnight. Some manually irrigated garden beds here at the Rose Farm are soaked just once a month and the roses flower prolifically!
Know Your Soil Type
Get to know your soil type. Sandy soils might need 10 litres of water per rose every couple of days and yet, with improved mulching and compost incorporation, even sandy soil can retain moisture more efficiently.
We suggest our beach resident gardeners put a bag of mulch on their weekly shopping list. Those who take this advice tell us how rapidly their sandy soil shows vitality with worms, more flowers on the roses and generally their whole garden environment becomes ‘alive’!
Snipping Roses
During summer, one of the greatest joys in the garden is getting out and trimming spent blooms at every opportunity. When the world peeves you, grab your secateurs and go and snip, snip, snip.
With every snip, cut off another worry. Do this consciously and by the time you’ve trimmed a couple of bushes, you’ll look down and see all your troubles in the wheelbarrow to then be thrown in the bin … it works folks, it really does!
Posting Roses in 2023
We have many orders for potted roses which will be posted from 3rd January onwards. In the meantime, continue to place orders at www.rosesalesonline.com.au
Here are a few of my favourite potted roses in the nursery today – if you got busy and forgot to get a gift, do a PROMISSORY NOTE by popping a copy of the order and picture of any rose in a card – these pictures will inspire you:
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In our first Rose Rambler next year, we’ll introduce new varieties to be released in 2023 and there will be a minor price adjustment so continue to order bare-rooted roses.
Since this is our last Rose Rambler for 2022 I’ll take this opportunity for one last silly joke…
Final giggle of 2022 ...
Q: What will go up a drainpipe down but won't go down a drainpipe up?
A: An umbrella! That one had you stumped, didn't it?
Thank you for your continued support of our business and we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy 2023!