Fertilizer Application
Hello Dear Rose Friends! As we say goodbye to summer, we welcome one of the loveliest gardening seasons … autumn! Yes, it’s also a year since lots of you took up the happy pastime of gardening as Covid-19 crept into our lives almost a year ago … unbelievable really.
During the past year, lots of you are new readers to our Rose Rambler so I’m trying to deliver some really basic rose gardening information in each newsletter … here’s an exchange about fertilizer application.
Question from Anita
“Hi, I want to ask about fertilising my roses. I have straw mulch down around the roses and then wood chip on the rest of the garden bed. Do I have to remove mulch to fertilise or can I throw it on top of straw or wood chip mulch? Thanks .. Anita”
So I responded:
“We apply the KISS principle to gardening so absolutely NO, you don't remove the mulch - however, if you put the fertilizer on and there's no rain expected for some time, you might want to turn the sprinkler on so the fertilizer goes down onto the soil ... cheers .. Gra"
Anita was pleased and in turn, responded:
“Great news!! Thanks for your prompt reply."
It’s important that you feel confident to shoot an email when there’s something about rose management that you’re not too sure about – of course, we recommend always, stop and quietly listen to your own intuitive power. However, if/when that doesn’t work, don’t hesitate to send us an email: info@rosesalesonline.com.au
Both Diana and I are willing and ready to assist you to enjoy creative, organic rose management!
A little giggle for you this week:
Q. Where would you be working if you stood around making faces all day?
A. In a watch factory!
Foliage Diseases
If the rose becomes poorly, dig it up and throw it in the garbage because no amount of spraying or fertilizing will heal it. Here are pictures of some issues which occur on rose foliage throughout the season:
Rose Mosaic Virus: It's highly likely that if every rose was scientifically analysed, it would reveal some virus or disease. In some seasons, Rose Mosaic Virus is more evident than others so you can remove affected stems then wait to see if the plant produces healthy, unaffected foliage subsequently.
Black Spot: These circular black spots typically develop on the upper side of the leaves but can also be found on the undersides. If not treated properly, this disease can spread and infect the entire rose plant. When pruning, cut out any stems with black spot and be sure to use plenty of mulch.
Powdery Mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus, Podosphaera pannosa. The microscopic spores produced by this disease spread until it infects all aerial portions of the rose plant. High humidity coupled with poor soil make conditions favourable for this disease to grow.
Rust Fungus Spores: Rusts are plant diseases caused by pathogenic fungi and only infect living plants. Infections begin when a spore lands on the plant surface and germinates.
We occasionally see some of these foliage diseases on potted roses in our nursery and also on roses in our gardens throughout the season. We are able to control them by using our organic rose management program but, when issues occur on your roses, it’s most important to prune, fertilize and then deep-soak the plants!
You’ll be amazed by how a problem can be turned into a beautifully lush bush which is consequently loaded with buds ready to give you masses of gorgeous rose blooms… all foliage issues forgotten!
This is the last weekend of summer pricing for bare-rooted roses. Prices will be increasing Monday, 1st of March so get your orders in fast! SHOP NOW!
Another giggle before you go...
Dentist: Did you know that breathing deeply kills germs that cause bad breath.
Patient: That’s amazing – how do you get them to breathe deeply?
We trust you’re enjoying your garden ... love to you all from Graham, Diana & Mooi