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LAWN CLIPPINGS ON ROSE GARDEN

BELOW IS AN EXTRACT FROM THE ROSE RAMBLER THIS WEEK … IT LED TO INTERESTING DISUCCSION – WORTH READING!

USING THE AUTUMN LEAVES … If you like to rake the Autumn leaves please don’t pile them up and burn them! Run the mower (with catcher on) over the fallen leaves and mulch your rose garden with them – the lawn clippings that come with the leaves will add nitrogen to the rose garden too.

From: Joanne
Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 4:30 PM
To: silkiegardens@bigpond.com
Subject: Re: THE ROSE RAMBLER

Diana,

Just a query. I thought lawn clippings depleted the garden of nitrogen, do you mean old clippings
or fresh one mixed with the leaves. I agree with demonstrating pruning. I had a technician here today
showing me how to do the Avery jam labels – it makes sense after a month of trying!

Last night we had a speaker from SGA on selecting, placement, preparation, pruning and harvesting of fruit trees
mainly apples and pears and, like you mentioned, not to think of pruning until after leaf fall (Manningham Council puts
this on last Wednesday in the month). Last month it was Helen Tuton (soil scientist) on soils. Never can learn enough.

Thanks

Joanne

On 30/05/2013, at 7:00 PM, Diana Sargeant wrote:

Hey Joanne … when I wrote that, I thought about it and yes, there is the theory that lawn clippings in heaps deplete the soil of nitrogen (and other nutrients!!!) however, because the lawns aren’t too long right now, to collect the leaves with some lawn clippings and then throw over the garden is a really good idea …. certainly way, way better than burning them. I have to be creative and address ALL the gardeners, young, old, experienced, inexperienced, etc. etc. – on issues such as this one, it’s difficult and like I said, better to give everybody a way of clearing the autumn leaves rather than burning them!!! Thanks for your ongoing interest in Silkies Rose Farm … cheers …

Diana Sargeant
SILKIES ROSE FARM & ROSESALESONLINE

From Joanne, 31.5.2013

Thanks Diana, I see the point. I was confused because like I said last night the speaker addressed
this issue as someone asked if it was OK to pile up the lawn clippings under the citrus trees!
Thanks for clearing that up

Joanne

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CARING FOR YOUR ROSES – WHAT THEY LOVE MOST OF ALL …

• Healthy, well drained and fertile soil which contains at least 10% organic compost (read article about compost and how to make great compost) which will guarantee there is good soil bacteria and fungi – a soil pH test should read 6 – 6.5 and the soil should feel and smell like you could eat it!
• Sun – at least 6 hours of sunshine per day.  Morning sun is particularly important as the stomata of the plant is open and receptive … just like humans should start their day with a great breakfast!
• Water – at least 20 litres of water per bush per week;  preferably delivered at the same time to ensure deep soaking in the root zone on the plant.  Never water roses late in the evening!
• Mulch – at least 5cms depth of compost covered by 10cms of quality mulch such as lucerne or pea straw should be maintained around the plants all year.  (Read article on mulch)
• Fertilizer – a complete organic fertilizer applied lightly at the rate of one half handful per plant every 8-12 weeks, watered in and plants washed down with Natrakelp liquid seaweed every couple of weeks.
• Air – if you grow other plants around your roses, keep the plants trimmed to ensure adequate air circulation around the base of the rose bushes.