At David Austin®, we know that roses have their moments of glory, when they burst into bloom and fill the garden with colour and fragrance. But their beauty is built throughout the year, with careful planning, tending, and patience. By working with the rhythm of the seasons, you can ensure your roses are at their very best when their time comes, while preparing them to flourish year after year. Here’s how to set simple, achievable goals to keep your rose garden thriving.
• Prune: Shape your roses, removing dead or damaged wood to encourage strong spring growth.
• Plant bare root roses: These thrive when planted in winter. Soak roots before planting in well-prepared soil.
• Set your goals: Dream big! Whether it’s a scented pathway, a new border, or a climber over an archway, use this quiet time to plan.
• Feed and water: Use a slow release rose fertiliser to support strong growth.
• Plant potted roses: Add new varieties to borders or containers.
• Mulch: Mulching around your roses helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and provide essential nutrients to support healthy growth as the weather warms.
• Companion planting: Pair roses with plants like lavender or catmint for a natural, romantic look.
• Spring Goal: Help your roses settle in and flourish, ready for summer’s display.
• Deadhead: Snip off faded flowers to keep roses blooming.
• Cut for indoors: Bring fragrant blooms into your home to enjoy their beauty up close.
• Water well: Especially during dry spells, give roses a thorough soak to keep them happy.
• Summer goal: Take time to appreciate your roses, this is their moment to shine.
• Tidy around the base: Clear fallen leaves and debris to stop overwintering pests and diseases
• Plant for next year: Autumn is perfect for planting new roses.
• Reflect: What worked well this year? Make notes to help with next winter’s plans.
• Autumn goal: Set the garden to rest while looking forward to next year’s blooms.
By tending to your roses season by season, you’ll create a garden full of colour, scent, and quiet beauty. Roses offer something new in every part of the year, rewarding your care with their timeless charm.
Take it one season at a time, enjoy the journey, and let your roses be the heart of your garden.
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