It has been another great growing season in the garden, not only for our shrubs but trees as well. I have had many people comment on how they didn’t have to water much in the Summer. This is an indication of the great establishment time we have at the moment. Many gardens can be redone after drought and floods. Remember not to over water as roses do not like wet feet, damp yes not wet. By watering deep and not everyday this influences the root systems of plants and trees to go deep and reach subsoil depths, forming a good anchor and also as a means of utilising the subsoil nutrients and water (especially in dry times).
This would have to be my first year at seeing traditional Spring only bloomers throwing out Autumn blooms. When seasonal conditions are right this can happen on the vary rare occasion. It is amazing, I thought I must be seeing things or had too many cups of tea. I must say that the David Austins and Old fashioned varieties have impressed me this year with their black spot resistance too. This is a trait many on the coastal regions should look at.
We have reduced many sections down, as we have, with regret put the nursery on the market due to our very busy family commitments. We have a had a bit of interest but the main thing is it will be business as usual this year. Roses will be sent out from Holbrook this year. If anyone is interested at looking at the nursery please let us know, it is hard work but very rewarding. We feel the nursery should concentrate more on the Old fashioned, heritage varieties so they stay commercially available. Many varieties are disappearing from Australian nursery lists and yet their qualities are superb for Australian conditions.
Please let us know if we can help you with any advice or questions. Wishing you all a happy, healthy and successful year for 2012. May it also be filled with many rose blooms. Fraser and Donna Parker