But now I would like to perhaps have a rose bed somewhere in the garden. I'd love not just roses with bare earth, so it would be nice to also have some sort of under planting - see note below re companion planting.
Here are a few tips:
- Always buy strong, well-grown plants in big pots from a reputable nursery.
- Make sure your plants are properly labelled so you can prune accordingly.
- Plant in a properly prepared site, well dug, with plenty of compost.
- Plant deep, covering the stock union.
- Plant climbers at least 18" from the wall.
- Water newly planted roses during dry spells - rain water doesn't reach their roots.
- Fee din spring and after the first flush of flowers.
- Intersperse roses in the border with companion plants to avoid disease, the right plants can enhance growth and protect from harm (see link below).
- Give roses plenty of space to allow for good air flow.
- Deadhead regularly.
- Apply a handful of poultry manure at the beginning of April, end of May and again in September.
- A suggestion for black spot is Armillatox soap wash (see: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningadvice/10959413/Growing-roses-expert-Rosebie-Morton-shares-her-top-tips.html).
Companion planting
Members of the allium family (onions) deter aphids and other pests by their strong scent. Also parsley, thyme and scented geraniums, lavender, yarrow (attracts ladybirds, who eat aphids) and marigolds (encourage strong plant growth). For companion plants see: http://gardening.about.com/od/rose1/a/Rose_Companions.htm and http://homeguides.sfgate.com/companion-plants-really-keep-aphids-away-roses-31294.html
Rose-growing courses
- For a range of morning and whole day courses during summer and early autumn, see rosebiemorton.com
- For courses with Peter Beales and David Austin, see classroses.co.uk and davidaustinroses.co.uk.
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