CULTURAL NOTES

Jim Cunningham Cultural Notes Autumn 2008

This has been a testing summer for our roses. Rain and more rain was dumped relentlessly on our gardens. Hail the size of golf balls shredded the foliage, new water shoots reduced to pulp as they dangled from most of the bushes. Sadly my weeping tree rose “CREPUSCULE’ could not withstand the thrashing from the inclement weather. Even the rose ring and rose ring support had indentations from the “HAIL”; Crepuscule would have had its centenary in two years time, amen.  Despite the very wet conditions these plants are bouncing back. Lush new growth is very promising; a bumper crop of roses can be expected in autumn.
 
It is very possible no more watering will be required for field grown roses this season. Having moved the saturated thick mulch and checking several areas of subsoil, I am satisfied enough moisture content is available to sustain good growth through the autumn.
When planning a new rose garden, consideration to the end product is essential. Every time you plant your boot on the rose bed it would be similar to nine (9) on the “Richter Scale” to the activity down under. The very beneficial micro-organisms and especially macro-organisms (earthworms), close to the soil surface detest soil disturbance. No bed should be more than two meters in width when viewed all round. This allows maintenance (arms length) and a happy environment in the soil. Plenty of open space that receives lots of sun is very important. The soil should be enriched adding plenty of good compost. Make sure the drainage is sufficient before you even think about preparing the soil. In my situation, every bed was elevated to the required height; this eliminates all drainage problems permanently.
 
The planning and planting of these beds can take considerable time, not to mention your energy.  Once the beds become established, routine maintenance becomes a simple task. Cool autumn weather is a good time to make any alterations in your garden.
 
As you become motivated shop around for suitable material to do the job. Don’t be shy to ask any questions to your supplier. Most nursery people are happy to give advice on their products. Your local regional will advise on planting or choice of plants for your area
As new rose catalogues come in the letter box listing hundreds of excellent varieties, and more new releases to confuse us further, choosing roses can become a pleasant and sometimes a bewildering experience. Chose with care, advice and guidance is available from your nearest consulting rosarian.
 
Among the releases from “Swanes” is a rose named “Good Samaritan”. This rose has been monitored on my patch over a six month period with very little care. It is large flowered and deep pink in colour. The long pointed buds have good form on long stems, fragrance is slight. It’s resistance to disease is promising as is its growth. This hybrid comes from “Dr. Keith Zary”, who also gave us Moonstone, Gemini and City of Newcastle to name a few. I think it is a worthy addition to your garden. Another “look at me” release from Tom Carruths is a rose called “My Hero”. This could be on the show bench in the near future in the decorative class. Remember to watch for good Australian bred roses coming your way this season. Good luck in your decisions this season.

Check for any pests hovering around your roses. Any small infestation can be checked by nipping off the affected parts, or by squashing pests by hand. When used properly most chemical sprays cause very few problems to the environment and are very effective in controlling pests. Always assess whether the problem really justifies their use. The use of combined insecticide and fungicide is only required when both problems are present at levels that warrant that control. When you are sure the chemical suits the purpose, be sure to follow the manufactures instructions to the application rate. A good time to spray is early morning when most beneficial insects are not active.  Maintain weed control during the growing season, heavy mulching usually controls this chore.  Trim back long stems on bush and shrub roses to reduce wind rock pre pruning.  Collect and burn (where possible) dead wood, fallen leaves and other debris especially that affected with disease.
 
Continue to harvest leaves from deciduous trees for use in your compost. Deciduous leaves and fresh grass clippings mixed equally can be a very nutritious mulch in early spring. If you are not already a “leaf freak” now is the time to start.
 
It is time to cut a vase of roses “Kardinal” for the dining table.  This rose stands frequent cutting and still blooms freely and repeats quickly over a long period. This rose is very hardy with good sized flowers in dark red, strong stems of good length sets the scene.  Enjoy your autumn flush of roses and take care. Happy rose growing to all rosarians.

Jim Cunningham

Note : Jim is an A Grade exhibitor with much success at Local,
Regional, State and Royal Easter Shows