Hello Dear Rose Friends,
What a difference a week makes at this time of year! Unbelievable that we packed potted roses for transit this weekend and they actually had buds on them which will open whilst closed in the confines of the cardboard box for true ‘instant-garden’ at your place.
You can order potted roses throughout coming seasons at www.rosesalesonline.com.au or please, if you live close or are travelling up/down the Hume Freeway, do stop in for a visit at Silkies Rose Farm which is just a kilometre from the Clonbinane interchange.
Our opening times are: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 9am – 4pm but if you’re travelling and would like to call in, don’t hesitate to contact us to see that we are here.
… Yes, this is one heck of a magnificent spring due to deep soaking rains and cooler climate of recent seasons. Since the sun is shining warmer and earlier than in past seasons at this time of year, our garden is well and truly poised for our roses to flower …
Thanks to the great crew who have pruned, weeded, fertilised and mulched the gardens in recent weeks!
We don’t want to be mowing lawns for months on end so we’re signing up for this Sustainable Gardening Australia master class - perhaps you will too …
"Hi GRAHAM, For years, the quintessential Aussie lawn has been a symbol of outdoor living. But it's time to reconsider this green icon and embrace a more sustainable approach to our outdoor spaces. Often described as deserts, lawns do little for our local biodiversity, soil health or storm water management. In fact, they can cause the perfect environment for pests to flourish, both flora and fauna kind."
Master Class Details
Presenter: Teresa Day, Learning and Training Manager at Sustainable Gardening Australia
Date: October 23, 2023
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Online
Session Highlights:
- Unpacking the hidden costs of maintaining a traditional lawn.
- Understanding the environmental impact of lawns on local biodiversity and soil health.
- Exploring sustainable alternatives: manage differently, change the plant, or remove and revegetate.
- Why faking it (artificial Turf) is never a good option.
- Discovering a range of plant options for a greener lawn: from laying and establishing to maintenance.
Presenter Teresa Day, combines expertise in sustainable design, community development, and environmental education. She's not just an advocate; she's a dedicated home gardener, chicken keeper, and forager who's eager to demonstrate how sustainable choices can transform your lifestyle and garden.
Ticket Prices:
- Early Bird Tickets: Available now for just $25!
- Full Price: $28
Exclusive Discounts:
- Friends of SGA: 15% discount on all masterclasses.
- Green Gardening Professionals (GGPs): 30% discount.
Ready to make a positive change in your gardening practices? Reserve your spot today and take the first step towards a more sustainable, no-mow lawn.
A giggle for you ...
Q: Why did the scarecrow win an award?
A: He was outstanding in his field!
Local events worth planning to visit
… So that you can plan ahead, I’m telling you that I’ll definitely be attending these two local events during November which our business supports through sponsorship. As we get closer to the dates of these events I’ll remind you, but meantime, pop both dates in your planning calendar.
Mulch your rose garden now
… One of the most important things you can offer your rose garden is a dense cover of mulch as we approach an expectedly warm to hot summer so this handy advice is an extract from Diana’s book, All About Roses to confirm why you should mulch your rose garden.
Here are 30 reasons for using mulch in your rose garden: • Improves soil conditions: binding sands and opening up clay • Conserves soil moisture – mulch can save 73 per cent of what might be lost through evaporation • Improves soil drainage • Keeps soil temperatures cool during the day and warm at night • Protects plants from frost damage • Stops erosion • Allows the soil to be worked earlier in the spring • Saves time in cultivating and hoeing • Prevents surface crusting, allowing the soil to breathe • Reduces soil compaction • Holds down weeds • Prevents hardpans being created in the earth • Provides nutrients, gases and other growth substances • Prevents vitamin loss in plants • Encourages nutrients to be taken up by the roots • Improves the yield of crops • Stops nutrients from being leached from the soil • Hinders pests laying their eggs near to the plant roots • Deters insects by its odour • Reduces losses caused by soil-borne diseases• Encourages earthworms and other micro-organisms • Causes feeder roots to develop near the soil surface • Encourages roots to penetrate deeper in search of food • Stops plants wilting • Shades seedlings from sunlight • Makes plants more sturdy • Improves the flavour and keeping quality of the harvest • Protects the produce from mud-splash • Recycles waste • Improves the ‘look’ of the garden
So, there you have it, mulch is much, much more than just about saving water. A fantastic weed suppressant, mulch is the key to a low-maintenance garden. The correct selection of mulch can also increase the level of nutrients in the soil so mulching weeds and feeds plants in the one operation.
Mulch is simple to apply. Weed the garden bed, apply complete organic fertilizer over the soil, water and spread the mulch around, taking care to leave at least 10cm (4in) clearance around the base of the roses. Water well after application. For best results, top up the mulch layer at least once a year as it decomposes into the soil.
Next week I’ll share another extract from Diana’s book to give you an update about which mulch is best and why you might select one type of mulch over another to get the greatest results in your garden.
First to flower
… As our roses start to flower, here are a few beauties to consider if you need early-flowering varieties in your garden.
Buy the 3 potted beauties and we'll send a FREE rose
Leave us to post a surprise rose and we’ll send one of our very best favourite varieties for just $149.95 posted to your door next week!
Another giggle ...
Q: What is the gardener's favourite novel?
A: War and Peas!
Meantime, enjoy all the glorious moments of spring in your garden – may the bees be buzzing, the ladybirds working whilst you’re out there mulching and trimming flowers for a vase in your home!
Cheers from us here at Clonbinane !