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 …
EVERY 4 ROSES REDUCED
FROM $110 TO $78 – save $32
EVERY 8 ROSES REDUCED
FROM $220 TO $148 – save $72
This offer includes all bush roses, climbing roses, Austin & Delbard roses
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 …
Hi Diana,
Just a quick note. We have not been to the State Rose Garden for many years. Our first visit was disappointing with hardly any of the roses named, and generally a ‘work in progress’.
Last week we visited and WOW we were impressed! You encouraged us to go by telling us how happy the roses are in the autumn and they were. Most were still blooming quite happily, with all the roses named, and with the beds and pathways formed, it was such a pleasure to wander around.
We are so pleased that we made the journey and will return in mid spring for another rose feast.
Hope this finds you Graham and Mooi well.
Go well armed with camera, notebook and sturdy walking shoes
– it’s a large park and so worthy of a day out!
Enjoy your rose garden this week …
cheers from Diana, Graham and Mooi at Clonbinane
