Rose gardens are a beautiful addition to any yard. They not only improve the beauty and ambiance; they are also a great outlet to relieve stress. The problem is: if you have never done it before, starting a rose garden can be pretty daunting. Here are a few tips and suggestions to assist you to make rose gardening a trifle bit easier.
The foremost thing you need to do is determine what kind of roses you would like to plant. There are many varieties to choose from. A good way to get started is to visit local rose gardens and the gardens of your family and friends. Area Arboretums are also a good place to visit and see what varieties grow well in your region. Your decision should be based not only on what looks best, but also on how much space you have, and the temperature zone you live in. I recommend with starting with care free type of rose that is fungal resistant to start with. One such rose is the beautiful red “Knock-Out Rose”. Save the specialty hybrids after you get your feet wet.
Once you know what kind of roses you want, you need to start planning and preparing your garden. The bed you choose to plant should get at least six hours of sunlight a day. You should also be aware of the landscaping in your yard. If you have an area that floods during heavy rains, that is probably not the best spot for your roses. They are very prone to fungal infections and excess moisture, especially on their leaves, needs to be avoided. Once you have picked a spot; prepare the area by working compost or humus into the soil. You can use excess humus mixed with manure to plant your bushes. After planting is done, cover your garden bed with mulch for extra protection. Mulch also reduces weeds and conserves water use.
Once your bushes are planted, they will still require some care; including watering, fertilizing, and pruning. A triple rose care solution such as Bayer’s Advanced All-In-One Rose and Flower Care Concentrate, provides, insect care, fertilizer and disease control to your new bush.
Bushes should be watered at the base of the plant with about an inch of water once per week. The amount of water used should be adjusted depending on area temperature, your soil mix and how much rain you have received. Fertilizer should be applied about every 6 weeks, starting in mid-spring and ending some time in August. While you can prune dead or diseased growth during the growing season, any major pruning should be done in early spring while the plant is still dormant.
Watch for signs of black spot. If you see the black spots on your leaves, prune the affected areas and treat with an anti-fungal preparation.
While maintaining a healthy rose garden requires a lot of work, taking these steps will help get you started in the right direction. There is nothing better than a fresh cut rose from your own special garden.
Dr. Debra Garrison is a veterinarian and owns a small animal hospital in Spring, Texas. Debra is a weekend gardener and loves her roses and garden. Visit her gardening website at http://DebbiesBestGardenSpots.com