Edition 13th February, 2025

14th Feb 2025

HELLO DEAR ROSE FRIENDS ...

In true February style, it’s hot here at Clonbinane and occasionally the sky wells up with dark clouds hinting at a thunderstorm with a few big-old-fat raindrops falling. This, of course, registers nought in the rain gauge!

Thankfully, we installed a bore last year – this produces great water for our gardens as several of the large oaks which were planted almost 16 years ago (after the Black Saturday, 2009 bushfire) are struggling and already showing autumn tones on their foliage. This is a sure sign that the soil beneath them is extremely dry.

When we received this email from Mick, we took action accordingly …

Hi there. Due to the dry conditions my place has been struggling with hydrophobic soils. I picked up a drum of Wettersoil the other day and it seems to have had immediate benefits. Plants that were virtually wilting before my eyes are holding there form at the end of some of the hottest days. Only having dam water I’m having to be extra careful as there doesn’t seem to be any decent rain on the forecast.

Fingers crossed. Cheers Mick.

To which I replied: G’day Mick .. you’ve just inspired me to use some soil-wetter around one of the big oaks which is starting to defoliate – the leaves are shrivelled despite me emptying 3 x 5,000 litre tanks of bore water around it! It’s one of those seasons and our plants will definitely suffer without adequate irrigation so every drop is precious!

Thanks for sharing!!! Gra ..

In the photo below, you’ll see the stressed oak on the far left – note the centre oak tree further down the garden receives run-off irrigation from the “Lipstick” Maple (far right) …

RESULT OF HARSH SUMMER PRUNING …

We showed a very hard-pruned Iceberg standard rose which was used in our Summer Rose pruning demonstration on January 19^th and just three weeks later, this is how it looks today … flowering and absolutely bursting forth with new growth. Don’t ever be afraid to prune your roses during summer!

Iceberg pruned | 19th January

Iceberg on 13th February

Have a giggle

Q: What will Bob the Builder be called when he retires?
A: Bob!

SUSTAINABLE GARDENING AUSTRALIA …

With all that’s going on in the world, take a moment out to read some ‘real stuff’ from SGA … please do subscribe or donate to this very precious resource we gardeners have at our fingertips.

SGA is especially important for landscapers and those who share their knowledge with uninformed ‘new’ gardeners so that you give the very best and environmentally friendly advice possible!

Visit SGA

Have another giggle

Q: What do you call a man with rabbits in his trousers?
A: Warren!

PLANTING ROSES DURING SUMMER …

Here’s a picture of a hedge of Diana’s favourite Hybrid Tea rose, Duet, which was planted just a few weeks ago.

Duet Hedge

Yes, you should ensure the potted plant is thoroughly wet, the planting hole is saturated and well-drained, then soak the soil around the newly planted rose. On completion, pour seaweed solution over the entire area and repeat weekly for a few weeks.

Should you ever need to transplant a rose during the hottest time of the year, follow the above planting instructions after cutting the rose back to a manageable size and you will be most successful!

THIS WEEKS SPECIAL OFFER …

Buy one Duet and we’ll send you one FREE for only $42.50 (plus pack and post for two roses).