In the garden Coming Up Roses
Whilst the temptation to stay indoors may be strong through the frosty winter months, there's still plenty to be found to do in the garden through June & July
A FRESH START During the winter months it's a good idea to start preparing the garden beds for spring. A good soil base is important for healthy plants. Weeds and old, dead crops should be removed and the soil freshened up by digging in some compost, and depending on what you are planning on planting add fertilizer and lime. If you have a green house now would be a good time to clean this out in order to get rid of any pests or diseases that have potentially infringed on your plants. Clear everything out of the glass house and clean the glass in order to allow as much sunshine as possible to come through in the spring and summer months. Clean the trays and pots and provide some new soil for existing plants.
COMMON SCENTS Choose roses that you will enjoy and will match your garden. It might pay to do some research - think about colour, shape, smell and how good they will look with the surrounding foliage. Another aspect to consider, especially if you are a low maintenance gardener, is how hard wearing/disease resistant they will be. Try to avoid planting in areas of the garden that have inadequate drainage and that are liable to become swamped - pick a place that will be sunny and where they will be sheltered from wind. Dig a large round hole and plant the rose in the centre, add some rose mulch to help them along.
Deadhead existing roses in order to promote new growth and allow them to re-bloom next season. Cut with gardening shears at an angle just above the fist group of five leaves located under the flower. Avoid over pruning, especially if the rose is small or sickly. Deadheading will also help reduce the amount of insects in your garden, such as pill bugs and earwigs.
Café Frock - Garden Update
It's been a productive 2 months in the Café Frock garden, the varying bursts of sunshine and showers have ensured a healthy growth spurt. Mesculin and herbs in glorious shades of green now adorn the dishes at Frock. Check them out!
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