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Our water recycling scheme, ensuring sustainable growth

At David Austin®, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Through our BLOOM initiative, we are committed to caring for the environment while ensuring our beautiful roses thrive. One of the key ways we achieve this is through our water recycling scheme.

Two reservoirs and a stream

On-site, we have two reservoirs and a nearby stream. Together, these vital resources provide the water needed for our roses. Our water capture and recycling system collects 60-80% of the rainwater and excess irrigation water that falls on our nursery. In fact, this system supplies over 90% of the water we need each year.

The combined capacity of our two reservoirs and the stream totals an impressive 126,000 cubic metres of water, equivalent to filling about 50 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

How we recycle water

Our water recycling process is simple. We collect rainwater from our buildings and any surplus irrigation water used for our roses. After filtering and treating this water, we store it in our two reservoirs for reuse.

The bottom reservoir collects surface runoff and rainwater, which is then pumped into the top reservoir, along with water from the stream. To ensure the water is of high quality, we test pH levels weekly and check for harmful pathogens. Due to the size of our main reservoir, we actually have to use a dinghy to collect water samples. This water is held until it is needed for irrigation, typically from April to September.

When it's time to water our roses, the water flows from the top reservoir through a siphon to a holding tank. From there, it is gravity-fed back to our roses, ensuring efficient use of every drop. We use a copper dosing machine to treat the water, effectively removing harmful spores that could affect our roses. Once treated, the water is distributed throughout our nursery to keep our plants healthy.

Our commitment to sustainability is more than just a policy; it's woven into our daily operations. Through our BLOOM initiative and water recycling scheme, we work diligently to protect the environment while growing our beautiful roses. At David Austin®, we take pride in leading the way in sustainability, ensuring our roses bloom beautifully for many years to come while caring for the planet.

How to prune shrub roses
  • How to prune a newly planted shrub rose
  • How to prune an established shrub rose

The instructions in this article cover the pruning of English Shrub Roses, as well as other repeat flowering shrub roses.

Pruning is essential if you really want your rose to thrive.

The main purpose of pruning is to create a shapely, attractive plant, with good coverage and structure, you can do this by simply removing parts of the plant during the non-flowering season. Pruning encourages fresh new growth and plentiful blooms for the following season.

When a rose reaches its third year; after three flowering seasons, pruning can be used to influence its size and shape.

We recommend pruning in late winter/early spring, when the first growth is beginning. It is ok to prune earlier, but it can be more difficult to identify the less healthy stems that you will want to prune out. If you still haven’t pruned by March it is still better to do so.

  • Shaping is essential. Try to create a rounded shrub.
  • Don’t worry about where you cut a stem. Accepted wisdom suggests cutting just above a leaf joint with a sloping cut away from the bud. However, there is no evidence to prove this is necessary.
  • If pruned properly, your rose bush will look significantly smaller and bare. Do not be alarmed, the growth will strengthen and re-establish quickly in the spring.
  • Carefully dispose of foliage. Foliage should never be composted and should be removed from your garden. This ensures spores that can initiate disease are removed from your garden.
  • Look out for loose roses. Look out for any roses that are loose in the ground due to the wind rocking them to the point where they are no longer standing upright. Firm around the base of each loose rose and cut them back a little more to reduce wind resistance.
Need help deciding which rose is right for you?
Try our rose finder

Call us on 01902 376300

Email us help@davidaustinroses.co.uk

  • Monday–Friday
    8:30am — 6:00pm
  • Saturday
    8:30am — 4:30pm
  • Sunday
    Closed
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