ROSE RAMBLER 6TH AUGUST, 2020 … Hello Dear Rose Friends from Clonbinane, where it is snowing as I look out my office window … it’s beautiful! As I prepare this document which links us all, is there anything else can be thrown at us as we try to work diligently to pack and post roses to you all? There is no way any of us could be working in the weather conditions as they are right now – tomorrow will be kinder!
Thankfully, Mitchell Shire wasn’t committed to Stage 4 Covid-19 restrictions as is the case in greater Melbourne. Although we are limited with staff numbers due to distancing rules, we have a dedicated team assisting us – important that I should introduce you to Dee (Dionne) who will be contacting many of you in coming days.
Initially, we decided to simply process a refund when a particular rose wasn’t available this year but so many customers wanted a recommended substitute so we’ll press on with contacting you in a situation where a variety definitely won’t be available at all through this season and suggest a substitute.
It’s very important you know that we will offer a plant of same or greater value – often, the rose we recommend is, in fact, a superior variety! Please trust our judgement in this.
There’s finally some light at the end of the tunnel as I see Diana now sharing the load with a very lovely crew to prepare and pack our beautiful roses to you. Thank you for being kind under these extreme circumstances!
I’m going flat-out delivering in local areas where it is permissible for me to be. Please be considerate of Australia Post, who are now immeasurably inundated because there is now only one way for lots of people to purchase needed products – online. This of course, means the pressure is exponential and there may well be delays.
Our roses are packed with immense care – we receive countless lovely emails about this fact so don’t be concerned if your parcel takes 7-10 days (or more) to be delivered. On arrival, it is imperative that you unpack the plants and plonk them in a seaweed solution bath. They can comfortably stay in the soak for 3-4 days without incurring any detrimental effect – in fact, they’ll love it and then get on with growing beautifully once planted.
If your newly planted roses have already been in the garden for some weeks, it’s getting time to give them quality fertiliser. We use and recommend Complete Organic Fertiliser (COF) which may not be available in your locality so check at your local garden centre for a product they recommend. Definitely purchase fertiliser which has a good balance of N:P:K as well as an extensive list of minor nutrients and minerals.
Learn to read the fertiliser pack a bit like you should know about the contents of which cereal you choose to feed your body and select products which are manufactured/sourced close to your locality where possible – be advised by professional people in your local community!
Enjoy a bit of a giggle: Q. What smells funny? A. Clown poo …
Best wishes from us here at freezing Clonbinane – spring is around the corner although we haven’t pruned the gardens yet … all in good time!