When we bought the house one feature of the existing yard was the pathway to the front door lined with standard iceberg roses.
And I can see why, the house being an older style home, of course having beautiful white roses line the walks would be fitting, and everyone else has roses in their front yard.
But that is the idealised thought process only. I don’t like having roses grow in my yard, because I don’t think the flowers outweigh the space they take or the time to care for the precious things. I also don’t like these particular roses because they are sick.
Resoundingly unwell. They are infested with aphids, scale and black spot. These roses are not thriving at all.
Resoundingly unwell. They are infested with aphids, scale and black spot. These roses are not thriving at all.
In our first year at the house we made some effort to treat the symptoms. I couldn’t pretend I was dedicated to the task, but I made a bicarb/ detergent solution up to counter the black spot a few times; squashed some aphids, results were difficult to see.
My resolution was to give the roses another year before replacing them and see if the causes of the pests can be remedied. I don’t think I can justify pulling them out yet.
We have mulched their beds in a bid to improve the soil, which we think made some improvement to the compaction. But it probably very hard ground under the plants, the mulch seems to have improved only the top 5cm so far.
We haven’t ph tested the soil, but the adjacent soil tested as acidic, so this could be a factor.
The beds they are planted in are narrow and boarder by bricks dug into the ground. I am aware that roses have a shallow root system and the bricks may really be inhibiting them.
My resolution was to give the roses another year before replacing them and see if the causes of the pests can be remedied. I don’t think I can justify pulling them out yet.
We have mulched their beds in a bid to improve the soil, which we think made some improvement to the compaction. But it probably very hard ground under the plants, the mulch seems to have improved only the top 5cm so far.
We haven’t ph tested the soil, but the adjacent soil tested as acidic, so this could be a factor.
The beds they are planted in are narrow and boarder by bricks dug into the ground. I am aware that roses have a shallow root system and the bricks may really be inhibiting them.
Up until October 2009 they have not been watered and relied on rainfall only. Position should be good as they get all day sun. Dad gave them a brutal pruning this winter, which I am grateful for, he knew what he was doing and they have had a good start growing back this Spring.
I plan to companion plant the beds with chives to attract beneficial insects. This process will lead to other benefits for the roses, the soils will get cultivated in the beds and Wade will install a dripper watering system for them.
Improving the dirt and water must be a good thing for the roses.
I wonder about the brick edging, we like it there for mowing and grass purposes, would moving them really make a big difference to our rose’s health?
I plan to companion plant the beds with chives to attract beneficial insects. This process will lead to other benefits for the roses, the soils will get cultivated in the beds and Wade will install a dripper watering system for them.
Improving the dirt and water must be a good thing for the roses.
I wonder about the brick edging, we like it there for mowing and grass purposes, would moving them really make a big difference to our rose’s health?
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