Can't Fail Rose Garden Design
First time rose gardeners often get conflicting information concerning where to place their rosebeds and what types of roses should they grow. If you are a first-timer, then you should read this article and learn some of the techniques for a "can't fail rose garden design".
Rose Garden Design Step By Step
-- Look at Other Rose Gardens
A good way to know what you would like to have in your rose garden is to visit as many public rose gardens and private gardens as you can get access to in your local area. If possible take pictures of the various designs. Later on your rose garden design photos will help you remember what you liked about certain plans and what things you felt wouldn't work in your yard.
-- Order Rose Catalogs
Get familiar with the different classifications (Old Garden, Wild, and Modern) and species of roses. Make lists with your favorites.
-- Choose the Proper Spot
Before visiting your local nursery or garden center, you must take a good look at your yard area. Look closely at the location you have decided to plant your roses. In order to give your plants the best chance at success you must make sure your potential rosebed has the following:
- Adequate Sunlight - Roses should get a minimum of 5-6 hours of full sunlight a day to bloom. If the area has lots of dappled shade, this may a negative effect on your bushes.
- Test your soil for pH levels. A good level for roses is a pH of 6.5 to 7 (where both acid and alkaline elements are balanced). Use sulfur to lower levels and lime to raise them.
- Roses don't like wet feet. Too much damp and they will weaken and die. Your soil must be well drained. Add humus and other organic matter to compensate.
- Does your soil need to be fertilized? Roses are heavy feeders and you should add compost and fertilizer to your soil before planting.
- How much space do you have? Roses must be planted in a very big hole, at least 2 feet by 2 feet and deep enough to cover the plant's roots.
- Is your rosebed near any trees? Tree roots can easily pull water and nutrients away from your bushes.
-- Sketch out Your Rose Garden Design
Take out some note paper and hand draw your rosebed design. Label which kind of roses you want to go where. Remember your rose garden design photos? Get them out and pick out the design features you liked best. Try to blend them into your design.
-- Go Buy Your Plants
Whether you get them from a catalog or from a local plant center, by taking the time to create a rose garden design, you have increased your chances of growing showcase roses next season.