I totally agree, Matt! Some have fared much better than others, but all are making a fresh start for autumn seemingly. The worst trouble I've had seems to have come not from the heat itself but from spider mites. My biggest concern now is chlorosis from soil alkalinity. You can see a bit in the second picture of St. Swithun. I've watched the pine mulch as you advised, and any problems from that seem to be easily correctable, but of course the soil here isn't exactly textbook loam with a neutral pH...!
Thanks so much, Jessica!! (blush, blush) I think it says much for how vigorous a good shrub rose really is, as I've not done much other than feed and mulch (and water, of course!)...
Beautiful as always! You should post your recommendations for growing roses successfully in a very hot, dry climate. (I, for one, could use the primer.)
Thank you, Kris :) One summer's worth of growing may be superseded by next summer's failure - who knows? - but perhaps I should at least post some notes for future reference as I'm woefully bad at keeping a garden diary!
Amazing to think that after such incredible heat for months on end, that the roses still have any energy left to bloom (let alone look so lovely!)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Matt! Some have fared much better than others, but all are making a fresh start for autumn seemingly. The worst trouble I've had seems to have come not from the heat itself but from spider mites. My biggest concern now is chlorosis from soil alkalinity. You can see a bit in the second picture of St. Swithun. I've watched the pine mulch as you advised, and any problems from that seem to be easily correctable, but of course the soil here isn't exactly textbook loam with a neutral pH...!
DeleteThey are doing you proud :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jessica!! (blush, blush) I think it says much for how vigorous a good shrub rose really is, as I've not done much other than feed and mulch (and water, of course!)...
DeleteBeautiful as always! You should post your recommendations for growing roses successfully in a very hot, dry climate. (I, for one, could use the primer.)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kris :) One summer's worth of growing may be superseded by next summer's failure - who knows? - but perhaps I should at least post some notes for future reference as I'm woefully bad at keeping a garden diary!
DeleteStunning pictures!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Brian :)
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