ROSE RAMBLER 12.12.2013
Hello dear rose friends … yes, it’s close to Christmas but why not take a few hours to go and visit this beautiful garden at Eltham – lose yourself in the glory of a space which you didn’t have to do the work in and maybe you will enjoy the pleasure of helping somebody else at this Christmas time!
TIPS FOR SPRAYING THE ROSES …
Usually Graham does the rose spraying but since we’ve been here at Clonbinane, I’ve been working alongside him to learn more about the plant-management side of things – it’s been most interesting.
Because the spray liquid is a dirty colour (liquid seaweed), I found myself not spraying the rose flowers and it has made a significant difference – we used to go around after spraying and trim the affected rose blooms. It is really quite easy to have a good cover of spray without spraying the flowers – if you think about it, good foliage cover is the principle aim of the program.
REMEMBER NOT TO USE THE ECO SPRAY PROGRAM WHEN THE WEATHER IS FORECAST TO BE MORE THAN 30 DEGREES AND ALWAYS SPRAY BEFORE 10.00AM.
So, can you spray in the evening after a hot day? Well yes, you can, however, during hot weather the plant shuts down which means that the stomata (likes pores in our skin) close to protect the hydration of the plant. Since we are spraying the foliage and we cannot see whether the stomata is open or not, we suggest that your rose spray program be done first thing in the morning before 10.00am to ensure maximum benefit to the roses.
THE SPRAY PROGRAM …
Apply at least monthly
To 10 litres of water add:
¼ cup Eco-rose fungicide powder (mix with some water to dissolve)
¼ cup liquid seaweed (check pack details for exact measure – they vary!)
¼ cup Eco-oil insecticide (also ‘sticks’ spray liquid to leaves)
Mix all the products together and stir well. You can add Eco-aminogro (fish based fertilizer or say, Charlie Carp) which will act as a foliage fertilizer. Eco-neem can also be added if there is a significant outbreak of certain insects that bite or suck the plants – within 48 hours the insect population will be controlled.
This spray program is suitable for most plants and should DEFINITELY BE USED ON THE FRUIT TREES AND IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN!
HOT OFF THE PRESS …
A lovely catalogue THE AUSTRALIAN ROSARIAN is now available and you are welcome to email your address details so that we can send you a copy – it is now available for download here or visit rosesalesonline.com.au!
Thank you to Rose Rambler subscribers who sent through photos of their roses – I could have made a catalogue from those alone! However, only the back page was allocated for customer pics … hope yours is on there!
GRA’S GRUMBLE …
Okay, so now I’m 70 and you all know! Thanks so very much for all the messages of congratulations which made the occasion extra special. The day/night at the Werribee Zoo with our kids and grandchildren was great fun while being a treasured learning experience too.
Here’s a photo of the site Diana and our son Eric managed for the wonderful State Rose and Garden Show which was held on the Sunday in the State Rose Gardens – treat yourself and take the family to this wonderful destination for a fantastic day out! A hidden treasure at Werribee.
Q. Where do sheep go on holidays? A. To the baa hamas!
IN CLOSING …
When it all gets too busy and the world seems to be going just too fast, pick up the secateurs and close out all of everything but grooming your roses … speak with them while they tell you about themselves – a more interesting conversation could not ever be had! Enjoy your garden this week.