Read on below for more of the interview with Master Rosarian Stan Griep.
2. How much care and attention do roses require to properly develop??
For the first year, roses need considerable attention as to soils moisture, keeping them well watered but not soppy wet is the key. I highly recommend using a moisture meter to check the soils moisture. Sink the probe end of the moisture meter down as far as possible in three places around each rose bush to check the soils moisture, just one probe test will not reveal the true story as to overall soils moisture. In years two and three watering is important too, however the root system is now better developed and can find its own moisture far better. Feeding the rose bushes with a good organic rose food is best as the organic fertilisers build the soils home of our rose bushes as well as feeding the roses.? Really after that first year of getting our rose bushes established root zone wise, they are pretty hardy, especially the shrub roses, miniature roses and Floribunda roses. There is a saying that everything in the garden grows better with the shadow of the gardener there. This is very true, spotting any pest problem at its earliest stages goes a long long way to gaining control of the problem. In this way, growing roses is not really much different than caring for one?s veggie garden.
Photo Credit: Stan Griep
3. Would you say that growing roses is more for experienced gardeners than amateurs, or does experience not matter?
There is a learning curve to everything we do in this life, growing roses or anything in our gardens is no different. If anyone wants to grow roses, they just need to spend some time reading about them and their care. Focusing on soils needs, sunlight needs, feeding & watering needs and how to recognise and treat pest problems, whether it be fungus attacks or insect attacks.? Growing roses is something amateurs can do provided they are willing to check out the things I listed previously and studying the growth habits of the rose bushes they are considering for their gardens or rose beds.? Seeking out a local rose society or garden club is a top notch idea for amateurs as they can gain an abundance of free information as to what grows best in other gardens, and tips on helping their plantings be top performers. Selecting good hardy disease resistant rose bushes for the garden or rose bed should be at the top of the list.
Photo Credit: Stan Griep
See more at Green Gardens
