Hello dear rose friends … welcome to all the new subscribers – hope your journey with us is fun and assists you to grow beautiful roses in your garden!

Another month flew on by … winter is here now and this is TRADITIONAL ROSE SEASON – time for the roses to rest after a heady season of fragrant flowering; time to get nicked and tucked – pruned that is – or planted in anticipation of another glorious season.

Q. Name the four seasons?   A. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar.

Amazing moment of awe for me when Gra and son Eric drove into the Rose Farm last week with the van and a hire trailer loaded with 4,288 roses.  All needed dipping, labelling, sorting for orders – yes, a mammoth task but this year we are soooo organised and it will all be a breeze.  PLEASE wait for the phone call or email because not ALL the roses came in this consignment – standard roses will come in LATE JUNE!

Awesome quality – brilliant roses which are loved from the moment the understock is cut and planted, budded and then nurtured with quality fertilizer, seaweed solution and watering for the past two years – any wonder we don’t hesitate offering you a 100% guarantee that our roses will give you years of pleasure once planted in your garden.

GRA’S GARBLE …

PRUNING … ah, the moments when men grizzle about the prickles, ladies gripe – “he cut them way too much”.  Girls, take up arms – good sharp Lowe secateurs and a beaut pair of protective gloves which you can purchase in our online store at www.rosesealesonline.com.au and get stuck into pruning your roses – it’s the best fun you’ll have in a long time!

Allow pruning your roses as an opportunity to release your pent up emotions and frustrations – be totally purposeful and make every single snip count – as you make each cut and remove the branch, toss out one less trouble in your life.  Pruning is very cathartic when you allow it to be.

Guys, you’re hereby given permission to stand back and watch – if this works in your household as it does in ours!  Here at the Silkies Rose Farm, I have my rose gardens and Diana has hers – I’m a gentle pruner, Diana is mercenary – both ways work for the roses!

Q. What does the word ‘benign’ mean?  A. Benign is what you will be after you be eight.

With fine weather expected this weekend, come and join us for pruning and a cuppa to toast the Queen on her birthday!  You’re welcome to call 5787 1123 to book your place – see you then – Gra

ALLABOUTROSES.COM.AU

www.allaboutroses.com.au is our website where you will find all back issues of ROSE RAMBLER and a host of helpful information about growing roses; there is an extensive ‘encyclopaedia of roses’ too!  It is my intention to see this as a location for interaction between our customers and for the site to be used as a great learning tool where we can share ideas, photos of your rose garden and generally make it the destination when you want to know all about roses – take a look and start sharing please.

IN CLOSING …

Rug up and get down and dirty in your garden this weekend

~ Cheers from Diana, Graham and Mooi at Clonbinane

Hello dear rose friends … sometimes I do a bit of ‘googling’ and I found this brilliant article on EPSOM SALTS.  As you know, when we have something of interest worth sharing, we feel obliged to share … please do note that we HAVE NOT TRIALLED this product and hope that you will share with all subscribers how you go when you use it for your roses … I’m most interested in trialling this for weed eradication – I think it would work on a warm sunny day so let’s all give it a go and report back to R/R with results … can’t wait to hear from you …

1. Improve seed germination … Give your garden a boost right from the start! Magnesium helps seed germination and strengthens cell walls. Incorporate one cup of salt per 100 square feet of soil or mix a tablespoon or two into soil at the bottom of each hole before dropping in seeds.
2. Help nutrient absorption … Commercial fertilisers often add magnesium to help roots absorb nutrients so go straight to the source. Add Epsom salt to soil to improve absorption naturally.
3. Turn yellow foliage green … Yellowing leaves are often caused by a magnesium deficiency, as magnesium is an essential component in the production of chlorophyll. Try sprinkling one-tablespoon of Epsom salt around the soil of your plants once a month. You could also mix one tablespoon of salt into three litres of water and spray directly on leaves.
4. Prevent leaf curling… Leaf curling may also be caused by a lack of magnesium so add Epsom salt to the soil around the base of the plant or spray with the above mix of Epsom salt and water.
5. Weed killer … This natural weed killer works a treat. Mix two cups of Epsom salt with four litres of vinegar. Add four tablespoons of liquid dishwasher and put mixture into spray bottle.
6. Beautiful roses … It seems the secret to beautiful roses might just be Epsom salts. Not only do they help roses produce larger blossoms in greater numbers, it makes colour richer, foliage darker and stronger plants. When planting, soak roots in half a cup of Epsom salt diluted in three litres of water. Sprinkle Epsom salt in the hole prior to planting. Once per month during growing, sprinkle one tablespoon of Epsom salt per feet of plant height around the base of plant.

GRA’S GARBLE

Following on from using Epsom Salts (Magnesium) let me tell you that there are FOUR ESSENTIAL “M’s” which need to be maintained in order for the soil to produce healthy, robust roses and they are:  MINERALS, MICROBES, MOISTURE and MULCH.

MINERALS – since most Australian soils are mineral deficient, I add rock dust at the rate of one handful per square metre to all garden beds at least twice a year.  I can prove it increases earthworm activity and definitely produces the best tasting fruit and vegetables whilst reducing fungus issues on our roses!

Q. What witches do you find in the desert?  A.  SandwiTches.

MICROBES – are essential to break down and make fertilizer available to plants.  You cannot see the microbes but they are in all healthy soil where compost and mulch are regularly applied and are a vital component for robust plant growth.

MOISTURE – during most winters we rely on rain to naturally supply the moisture necessary for our gardens to flourish however, it is imperative to be watchful!  Frost dehydrates plants so to reduce severe frost damage don’t hesitate turning the watering system on!

Q.  What do you call a witch who likes the beach but is scared of the water?  A. A chicken sandwiTch. 

MULCH – probably the most important “M” because it conserves and improves the dynamic of all the above!  Without mulch, moisture is evaporated, microbes cannot flourish and minerals will be depleted by soil erosion.  Never, ever remove mulch in winter to supposedly increase soil temperature!!!

For that matter, never, ever remove mulch FULL STOP – rather be diligent and add mulch of lucerne/pea straw/wheat straw/leaves/compost because mulch is such a vital component of healthy soil!

WHAT ARE THE VERY BEST RED ROSES you should have in your garden?

Here are a few of our favourites which are each very different but definitely sure to please if you love red roses in your garden and love to pick them for a vase:

IN CLOSING …

Things are ‘ramping up’ for a new rose season with our first consignment of roses being processed at the Silkies Rose Farm today so place your order online at rosesalesonline.com.au or call me on (03) 5787 1123 – remember too, if you need advice about designing a rose garden at your place, we offer a FREE ROSE GARDEN DESIGN which can easily be done through email info@rosesalesonline.com.au or bring your ideas, dimensions and some pics when you visit Clonbinane.

ROSE RAMBLER – 21.05.2015

Hello dear rose friends … as the season for pruning roses draws near, let us give you some of the best advice to set you in good stead to make your pruning task one of pleasure both for you and your roses –

• See the task as a pleasure rather than a chore
• Always use sharp, clean pruning equipment
• Wear gloves for confidence and to protect your skin
• Prune more rather than less
• Be the boss, have confidence – take control!

So many of our customers rave about the great secateurs we use and promote – the Lowe anvil secateurs is so beautiful to use – fits your hand like a glove, cuts through the hardest, old wood like a dream and is easy to clean and sharpen along the way …

While you’re pruning, stop every now and again to sharpen the secateurs – this little tool will fit into your pouch or pocket and a couple of firm swipes along both sides of the blade ensures the secateurs are sharp throughout the exercise.

If you have a large garden (as we do) with lots of roses to prune, you might consider treating yourself to the PELLENC battery secateurs/hedger – for more information about this equipment, please call our son ERIC SARGEANT on 0402 352 843 or 03 5429 6824 – I would NEVER be able to prune the gardens here without this amazing pruning gear!

Some of you might remember that I had an option of a diamond ring or PELLENC for our special wedding anniversary some years ago … I have never, ever, ever rued the day I chose the new pruning gear and I love every moment I spend with my PELLENC equipment – one of my most prized possessions!!!

GRA’S GARBLE …

GREEN MANURE = RICH SOIL

Wheat/oats/broad beans/peas/silver beet or any plant that grows a green ‘top’ can be sown in open soil with a view to be turned into the soil for green manure.  Of course, this gardening practice was used by farmers before chemical fertilizers became so readily available so what does this plant material do when turned into the soil in spring?

• Gives a healthy, balanced soil loaded with nutrient rich in organic matter
• Feeds earthworms which are breeding madly now to October
• Nourishes soil microbes – we cannot see them but they are there!
• Retains moisture – acts like a sponge
• Helps retain top soil

Any green manure crops can be planted around rose bushes and other plants – they’re my excuse for allowing ‘weeds’ in my rose gardens – Diana goes and weeds the garden, I go out and plant wheat!  It’s MY garden … OUR argument … oh, what fun!

Q.  Why did the cookie go to the Doctor?  A.  He was feeling really crummy!

Did you know that in around 1781 the first roses came out of China on ‘Tea Clippers’ (sailing boats) into Europe – what a boomer – these roses flowered for 9 months of the year and were the breeding stock of what we now call HYBRID TEA roses – the first registered HYBRID TEA rose is LA FRANCE which is the parent of many of the roses you love today!

Q.  What do you get if you cross a crocodile with a camera?  A.  A snap shot

Be sure to take lots of pics and most surely breathe the glorious autumn fragrance of the last roses of this flowering season – Gra

IN CLOSING …

it’s been such a delight to get out and about speaking to Garden Clubs and groups who are interested in our story – if you would like us to come and speak at your Club, please contact us 03 5787 1123 for more information.

Hello dear rose friends … oooohhh, it’s so cold and bleak with rain showers and then lovely sunny breaks – such typical autumn weather in Victoria and our roses are shivering so hard, they’re defoliating at a rapid rate.  Do we go around and remove all that spent foliage?  No, of course not!  It would be physically impossible to do so but we also believe that even though there are mildew spores on the felled foliage, the soil, being a complex mass of fungi, deals with those spores and probably welcomes the addition of rose fungus to enhance the existing range … is it possible?  I seriously think so!

Also, as soon as the roses are pruned sometime from June-August, we commence the organic spray management program and because there is no foliage on the rose plants, the spray will cover the mulch/rose leaves/soil with fungicide and seaweed solution reducing the possibility of fungus proliferation.

GRA’S GARBLE …

RECYCLE – REUSE – HOW CLEVER!

Want to hide an ugly wall with a climbing rose?  Whilst visiting our friends Lynda and Chris we saw this brilliant idea in several locations in the gardens they manage so beautifully – fencing panels which might otherwise have been sent to the tip, attached to brick walls by means of a few metal hooks screwed into the brick render. Looks fantastic, offers enduring support for a climbing rose and is so DIY easy …

Q.  Did you hear about the father who drowned in a bowl of muesli?
A.  A strong current pulled him under …

These guys are dealing with possums eating the roses so Chris devised this maybe not so visually inspiring but seriously effective method of stopping the possums from chewing PIERRE DE RONSARD which was screeching out …

THANK YOU, THANK YOU and performing beautifully since the possums were stopped from running along the post – the barrier was created using a plastic rubbish tin lid!

Thanks to Chris and Lynda for sharing their magnificent gardens with us – we hope that if we ever need to go into an Aged Care Facility, it has such delightful gardens as what they have created for residents at Lynden to enjoy and be inspired by!

Q.  Why have you got a light bulb on your head?  A. I’m trying to get some bright ideas!

GROWING ROSES FROM SEED – SEMINAR

It’s the most rewarding fun to see your own rose seedlings emerge and I would love you to come and learn all about this and a whole lot more about roses on…

and we’ll put the billy on for a cuppa … $25.00 per attendee – we’ll donate this money to CLONBINANE CFA.  Book NOW because I will restrict numbers for this session – call Diana, my Secretary, on 03 5787 1123 to book your place!

IN CLOSING …

If you would like to donate to the Nepal Disaster, let us suggest a very ‘safe’ place to donate – the ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTHERN MITCHELL will put funds towards SHELTER BOX (a fully self-contained, Australian made survival kit) and I promise you that when you donate money to a Rotary International Project, ALL your dollars will go directly to the cause you intend so please donate now:

Southern Mitchell Rotary Club
BSB – 063 698
Account Number – 10175830

Please provide your name and “Nepal Shelter Box” when doing direct debit.

Hello dear rose friends …

We will make it for some glorious rose blooms this Mother’s Day as some of the roses revel in autumn weather and do their absolute best to ensure we maintain our passion for their beauty right to the very end of what has been an amazing flowering season!

GO TO OUR ONLINE STORE TO PURCHASE A GIFT VOUCHER FOR YOUR MUM …

Let her come to the nursery or shop online for her own selection of our magnificent roses and to seriously indulge your Mum, let us add $10 to every voucher over $50.00 for this very special occasion to celebrate the Mother in your life …

Still no frost here as the magnificent DAHLIA in our front garden continues to flower as it has been since Christmas Day last year.  We rely on this beauty as our ‘frost detector’ because it will turn black overnight and wilt into dormancy until next season … no, please don’t ask me its name – I just know we revel in the bright red, profuse flowering glory of this plant for at least three months every year – this year it’s exceeded expectations as we move into 5 months of flowers!

You see, we do grow and enjoy lots of other plants besides roses but still think roses are far greater value than lots of other flowering plants for their continual, free-flowering habit over such a very, very long season, their amazing fragrances and spectacular, variable beauty in size, colour and shape of blooms!  Are we biased …???  Nah!  Just truthful!

Let me share this magnificent photograph of CLIMBING GOLD BUNNY which I received from Megan … as long as you fertilize and dead-head this beauty while it’s flowering, you are guaranteed a continual mass of blooms throughout the season – it will be the first to flower and almost surely, the last to flower in your garden …

GRA’S GARBLE …

While on a short break last week, Diana and I walked through a couple of public rose gardens – impressive to see that although roses are untended, they seem to flourish and I was able to ‘nick’ a few seed pods (hips) of varieties which I would like to grow seedlings from – do you know how to do this?

On topic just a short digress for a joke:   Q.  What would you get if you crossed a vampire with a teacher?  A.  Lots of blood tests.

It’s the most rewarding fun to see your own rose seedlings emerge and I would love you to come and learn all about this and a whole lot more about roses on

I know I tend to harp on it but gee, these are interesting stats from a report in UK …

Our Australian figures would measure the same so be sure and enjoy lots of gardening activities – no matter what the weather is and today, I went and had my flu immunisation  so this last joke is kind of relevant:

Q.  What kind of cough medicine does Dracula take?  A.  Coffin medicine

– enjoy the moments in your garden this week and see you soon at Clonbinane where the roses are still flowering and the autumn trees a delight … Gra

IN CLOSING …

We wish all the Mothers a very special, enjoyable and relaxing Mother’s Day  and take time out to enjoy what pleases you most!

If you’re up early, Graham will be on the panel at 3CR talk-back radio gardening show on Sunday from 7.30 – 9.15am.  This is great Sunday morning radio at 855 on the AM dial … listen in and give him a call!!!

It’s a breath away from another new month and getting closer to winter when our roses will take a rest so the wonderful blooms you are still getting need to be sniffed and enjoyed all the more right now!

Walking in the nursery the other day with one of my lads and I was extolling the virtue of APRICOT NECTAR … note the different shades in this magnificent old queen of the rose garden – always flowering, delightfully fragrant, suitable for a hedge, wonderful cut flower – aaahh!

and he said to me:  “Don’t you ever get sick of them Mum?” … oh gosh, how could I … no, not ever and he didn’t question my passion because he loves them too!

The roses are just so tolerant of all weather conditions and especially the potted roses are amazing; how would you like to be stuffed into 20cm x 20cm and expected to produce such beauty?  They do, but it’s time now to see them planted in gardens so … come visit us at Clonbinane to take advantage of this very special offer …

GRA’S GARBLE …

The mid to long range forecast is for a wet winter!!!

Autumn is such a great time to plant and transplant roses (and other plants) because there is good moisture in the WARM soil which will allow establishment of strong root systems for future seasons of healthy plant growth.  To transplant an established rose:

• Use a sharp spade and have the new site well prepared with a rough hole filled with existing soil and well-rotted manure/compost.
• Trim the rose to a manageable size – make it easy for yourself!
• Dig to a depth of at least 30cms and 20cms wide of the crown (bud union – where you see all the established flowering stems);
• Get under the plant and lift it after you have cut the roots all around;
• Take the rose to its new location on a bag or maybe in the wheelbarrow – DO NOT LET IT DRY OUT at any time during relocation!
• Give it a really good prune before replanting – remove all old wood and trim the roots to fit the new hole;
• Place in the new site, backfill and saturate the hole; yes, tamp the soil down around the crown firmly with your BOOT!
• Top up with friable soil, a light layer of mulch and saturate with seaweed solution – no less than a 10 litre watering-can poured all over each transplanted rose!
• DO NOT OVERWATER … let the plant settle in its new location and check soil moisture before watering again with seaweed solution, 10 litres per week will be more than adequate during autumn/winter.

Q.  Why don’t dogs make good dancers?  A.  Because they have two left feet!

Did you know that earthworms (the soil ‘wonder workers’) come close to the soil surface and start breeding between May and October?

Because worms feed on mulch and organic matter be sure to have at least 50mm of mulch on all garden beds – lucerne cut into 50mm lengths and pea straw are excellent mulch because they provide natural nitrogen, feed soil microbes and worms!  Rake the fallen autumn leaves onto garden beds if you don’t like to see them in the street gutter or on the lawn – the worms will love them!

Q.  What did the dog say when he sat on sandpaper?  A. “Ruff”, “ruff”

WERRIBEE STATE ROSE GARDENS …

Had a lovely email from a customer about this treasure destination for rose lovers …

Go well armed with camera, notebook and sturdy walking shoes
– it’s a large park and so worthy of a day out!

What a wonderful weekend it was at Tesselaar’s Plant Expo; there’s no doubt about it, we gardeners are all quite mad because we go out in all kinds of weather!  Perfect on Saturday but we huddled closely under umbrellas and any shelter on Sunday in the cold wind and driving rain – nice to be so up close and personal with those of you who braved the elements to visit us at the Expo – THANK YOU!

As expected, the flowers withstood the elements – picked in a field where there was no water, laid in the back of the van and transported for more than one hour!!!  Their stems were re-cut prior to vasing and they immediately responded – rained on out in the open each night but everybody commented on the magnificent fragrance and stunning beauty that lured them into our site

LET’S GET A FEW THINGS CLEAR …

We try and write concise messages about how to manage your roses and I suppose, sometimes we don’t quite get it totally right because we are doing it every day and it comes natural to us – here are a few emails from  the past week which I am sure you will benefit from reading:

MY RESPONSE …

Hi Jenny … thank you for your enquiry.  You spray the foliage to run-off which means residual goes to the soil anyway … after pruning in winter, you might purposely spray over the mulch to reduce fungal spores.  All plants will benefit from the spray program – especially fruit trees, lots of vegetables and most ornamentals!  Seaweed solution can be used directly on the soil at all/any times to improve plant health – it is NOT fertilizer – pour it from the watering can very liberally for all plants and extremely important for potted plants!

I don’t believe that clay is ‘poor soil’ because once the rose roots get down into the clay, they usually flourish unless they are drowning due to poor drainage – mulching clay will encourage worms to come to the surface and do the aerating (digging) for you … this takes time but is very good gardening practice!!!

Potted roses should be repotted at least every TWO years at which time you heavily prune the roots and bush/standard prior to repotting!

Hope this answers your queries … cheers – Diana

Not bragging but another email which came to my inbox after midnight warms the cockles of my heart and makes this journey all so very worthwhile:

GRA’S GARBLE …

Bit knackered this week after the Tesselaar Plant Expo last weekend but I’ve got this to share:  a lot of non-living objects are actually either male or female; hope this makes you laugh like I did …

Respecting the ANZACS, we’ll be open for business after midday till 4.30pm on Saturday and we suggest you might drive by the Wandong township to see the ‘new’ memorial garden which we have had the pleasure of planting and managing over the past 18 months … these pics are only a very small part of the whole garden – please do take a look if you’re coming up our way …

ROSE RAMBLER – 16^th April 2015

Hello dear rose friends – what a sensational weekend we had with the friendly groups who came for the Art Expo & Rose Tours and enjoyed Ben’s awesome scones, Cooper’s delightful chat, Virginia’s gorgeous smile and Graham’s walk and talk in the garden … oops, where was I?  All about the place and enjoying every single moment of the magnificent weather and company … taking pics like this one…

GOD & LAWN CARE

GRA’S GARBLE …

Q.  What did the pastor say when a bee entered his church?  A.  Please bee leave! 

Take time now to prepare garden beds for planting new roses this winter!  Why?  Because the roses will flourish and produce way more flowers in their lifetime if you prepare the planting holes like this NOW:

• Dig a really rough hole 250mm x 250mm at least so that roots easily penetrate the clay wall
• Mix a bucket full of well-rotted manure/bagged compost/leaves or combination of all blended with some organic fertilizer
• Back-fill the hole with all the soil and compost blend – mounded up if necessary!
• Water the area at least weekly with 10 litres of water and seaweed solution

Q.  Why was the teacher cross-eyed?  A.  Because he couldn’t control his pupils!

TESSELAARS GARDENING & PLANTS EXPO …

18th & 19th of April

The Tesselaar Gardening and Plants Expo has kindly allowed us to share their promotion with our loyal readers!

We’ll be at this event! Do come up to Silvan in the Dandenongs, east of Melbourne, where the autumn trees are spectacular and the Tesselaar Garden Expo hosts some of the most professional nurseries in Victoria … A REAL GARDENERS EVENT!

A must for all green thumbs and budding gardeners!

There is a lot to look forward to at the annual Tesselaar Gardening and Plants Expo
this weekend:

• Over 40 expert nurseries and plant stall holders,
• a jam packed Expert talks programme,
• Shop for plants of all shapes and sizes, and
• Buy 1 ticket, get 2nd ticket free (voucher below)

The incomparable Stephen Ryan hosts the free Experts Talks program, highlighting special guest speakers; David Glenn of Lambley Nursery, Attilla Kapitany of Australian Succulents and many more expert speakers cover a range of practical topics. See the website for the full details and timetable.

As a valued Tesselaar subscriber, we have included a “Buy 1 ticket, get your 2nd ticket free” offer. Simple present the below voucher at the gate to redeem your free ticket.

We can’t wait to welcome you to this fabulous weekend.

The Tesselaar family

Details:
9am until 4pm
18th & 19th April, 2015
357 Monbulk road, SILVAN

Tickets:
$16 – Adults
$13 – Concession
Available online or at the gate.

Hello dear rose friends … finally some very welcome rain has dumped on our garden – now I’ll have to add “mow lawns” to my agenda of things to do before the bus groups visit this coming weekend.

We are expecting around 150 keen gardeners over the two days and if you would like to ‘tag along’ for WALK AND TALK IN THE GARDEN WITH GRAHAM, please do join us on this coming Saturday and Sunday between 10-11am and 2-3pm.

Because the Rotary Art Expo is on in Kilmore this weekend, I suggest you take a visit into Kilmore also – there is a beaut ‘Expo Café’ at the Memorial Hall where you can partake of a truly ‘home-made’ lunch served by a volunteer brigade of workers and International School students – all proceeds to Rotary projects!

GRA’S GARBLE …

Q.  What’s the biggest mouse in the world?  A.  A HIPPOpotamouse! 

I’ve caught a few big ones this past week – since we live along the Sunday Creek, have mulched gardens and chooks, we expect vermin problems so have bait stations at strategic locations OUTSIDE the buildings and house!

The logic here is that you don’t want vermin in any building so if you bait externally, the ‘hippopotamouses’ don’t usually become a problem INSIDE where they cause the greatest grief – especially if they die in wall cavities, etc. after taking a bait that you had inside!

We are maintaining the roses in good condition despite the cold and now wet weather – every 10 days we are applying the organic rose management program and I recommend you do the same now if you want blooms right up into winter –

To 10 litres of water add:           
Seaweed solution or powder (follow pack directions)
¼ cup ECO ROSE and ¼ cup ECO OIL

It is beneficial to add liquid fertilizer to this concoction to stimulate more flowering and keep the foliage healthy – more healthy foliage means more beautiful roses!

Q.  Why don’t you take your little brother to the zoo?  A.  If they want him, they can COME and GET HIM!

Only a few more days of school holidays – bring the kids with you when you come to visit us here at the Rose Farm – there are chickens to watch romping around … good fun!  Gra

SOME ‘OLDIES’ THAT YOU SHOULD PLANT

If you don’t already have them!  We all get seduced by catalogues and advertising brochures that show the new release roses every season – here are some enduring ‘favourites’ which you really should consider planting if you don’t already have them:

PARADISE	JUST JOEY	KARDINAL
BONICA	BARONNE DE ROTHSCHILD	GOLD BUNNY

As a special ‘nearly end of season’ promotion, this weekend ONLY, all the DELBARD and DAVID AUSTIN roses will be reduced to $21.50 each – that’s their winter price but you’ll get them potted and flowering NOW!  If you have a garden bed ready, PLANT NOW!

You will have beautifully established roses for next season’s flowering.  Consider these couple of our favourites:

BELLE DU SEIGNEUR	PARFUM DE PARIS
ALNWICK ROSE	CROCUS ROSE

IN CLOSING …

Don’t be deterred from visiting a very busy Rose Farm this weekend when there will be loads of action and lovely assistants to help you select some more beautiful roses for your garden …

ROSE RAMBLER 2^ND APRIL, 2015

Hello dear rose friends … welcome to all the new subscribers – hope you enjoy our ramblings and if you live close please come for a visit to the Rose Farm – CLONBINANE is just 60kms from Melbourne CBD – we are within 500mts of the Hume Freeway – entry/exit north and south!

It’s already Easter and we’ll be closed GOOD FRIDAY but open all other days of this wonderful long weekend – call in at the Rose Farm this weekend where you’ll find some super potted/flowering rose deals …

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE
ON THE FOLLOWING
VARIETIES OF ROSES

MR. LINCOLN		CHARLES DE GAULLE		ALL RUGOSA AND OLD FASHIONED ROSES
WINDRUSH		SALLY HOLMES

During Saturday, Sunday and Monday, there will be an Easter egg hunt operating continually – any rose where an Easter egg is hidden at the base of the flowering plant will be available at 50% OFF and you’re NOT allowed to cheat because I’ll know where the eggs are ‘laid’ … in 100 of the very best specimens around the nursery!!!

Here are three more new release roses which are available for ordering this winter at rosesalesonline.com.au – go take a look at these pics which, remember, are NOT MY OWN! Every other rose photo represented at rosesalesonline.com.au, excluding the 2015 new release roses has been taken by us!!!

GRA’S GARBLE …

I buy Better Homes & Gardens magazine for the Moon gardening guide which we use for weeding and planting.  It was a huge surprise to read a fabulous review for Diana’s book, ALL ABOUT ROSES in the April edition.  I won’t copy it verbatim for you here, but the last sentence reads:  “Taking an organic approach to growing, the book is well illustrated and the author’s passion for the blooms spills from every page.” which is why every rose gardener should have a copy of the book on hand! 

Organic gardening should not be a ‘trend’ but very much a ‘norm’ … our organic rose management program is well represented in ALL ABOUT ROSES along with many of our ‘normal’ (organic, obviously!) gardening procedures – get a copy NOW in your local book store or online at rosesalesonline.com.au so that you have all the information you need to design and prepare a rose garden for this winter … DO IT ONCE, DO IT RIGHT! is our motto.

I like this joke:
Nigel came into the classroom with a great big swelling on the end of his nose.  “How did you get that?” asked Mr. Trilby.  “I was smelling a BROSE.” replied Nigel sadly.  “I think you mean a ROSE,” said Mr. Trilby.  “There’s no ‘B’ in ROSE.”

“Well, there was in this one!” replied Nigel – just as there are bees in the roses you’ll be smelling when you come up to the Rose Farm this weekend!!! 

Bee aware … ha ha!  Gra

IN CLOSING …

Take time out with the kids this week – let them help you as Cooper did so graciously last weekend – he loaded Susie’s car with her potted roses for the new section of garden she’s been planting … we all enjoyed the experience and Susie will have herself a lovely well established rose garden this spring … autumn is the season for planting … nice!

See you soon at Clonbinane or talk to you via email if you’re contemplating designing a new garden this winter and need some FREE ADVICE …