ROSES
In Guyton, Ga. I own 10 acres of land, upon it I have many plants. However, I have set aside a 2500 sq. ft space for my rose garden. Each rose bush is, or will be, spaced 3 ft apart. Currently I have 40 rose bushes in the ground. I can fit 285 shrub rose bushes within the confounds of my garden's space. (Of course that is not counting the mini-roses that will be used as boarders.) As all of the roses are "must sees" I have designed my garden's walkway to twist and wind you by each and every bush. The garden will have two entrances, both adorned with an arch covered by 2 different climbing roses on either side. Also in the works, is a sitting area with 2 benches, 2 chairs, and a small pond. As I said earlier, I only have 40 of the some 560 rose bushes I have allotted for my garden. However, spring is upon us so lookout Weeks, Jackson-Perkins, and Wayside Gardens! HERE I COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This garden is being constructed completely from scratch. I, myself, along with the help of a Mr. Terry Clover
, have spent countless hours clearing trees and brush to expose the beautiful dirt that will harbor a countless number of rose bushes. As I step back and gaze at the unexposed land I am constantly thinking, "If I take out that patch of brush I can fit four more roses in the garden.". However I have limited myself to 2500 sq. ft and a possible 560 roses bushes. Currently I have no "double" rose bushes. I intend to not have any either. (With the exception of the climbers that will adorn the two entrance arches.)
I care for my roses very tenderly. They are fertilized with Miracle Gro for Roses every two weeks beginning in about March until November. (Or until they go dormant, whichever comes first.) I use a variety of different products to "de-bug" my roses. To me, finding the perfect insecticide is accomplished via trial and error. I myself however, find that sprays work best in my garden as opposed to insecticides that work through the ground and the actual bushes themselves. Another way to select the best insecticide for your garden is to ask your neighbors. Chances are, if it works for them, it will work for you.
As far as looking for the correct size bushes for your garden, I find it hard to go by what the growers say the average height and width of the bush is and the full bloom size of the flowers are. I tend to grow mine above and beyond the "average" size. For instance, take Chicago Peace, the average bloom size is 5 inches across, in just it's first year in the ground I had blossoms 9 inches across! I don't mean just one or two roses either, I mean all of them were no smaller than 7 inches across. On my favorite Floribunda, Oranges and Lemons, a striking fluorescent orange with yellow "tiger" stripes throughout, the average bloom is 2 inches mine, of course, were 4 to 6 inches! BEAUTIFUL!
My first and by far my favorite Hybrid Tea rose, Tropicana, was planted in Savannah, Ga. in the summer of 1994. In the spring of 1995 and throughout the summer I had over 150 buds and blossoms adorning this bush at a time. Daily pruning and constant attention permitted this bush to flower so immensely. In the winter of 1996 I transplanted the bush in Guyton, Ga. the spring and summer of 1996 proved to be trying times for my beloved Tropicana; but she pulled through it and I anticipate 1997 will bring yet another year of wondrous flowers.
Here I am again, looking over my beautiful rose garden. It is such a shame that all of these beautiful bushes will not get the love and care they so profoundly deserve. A year ago, Mr. Terry Clover This breakup, in turn, means that I no longer will be able to care for my lovely roses the way I should. I will end up leaving most of them there to die in the shallow graves that once held dreams and aspirations. All are not doomed however, the few that I simply CAN NOT part with are in the process of being moved into containers. Two weeks ago, Dave,, and I sucessfully moved two of my beauties to their new homes, Oranges and Lemons and Don Juan, and they are doing marvelously. I am proud to report that I have foliage EVERYWHERE! As far as the others are concerened, I am not sure if any more, let alone all, of them will be transplanted. It pains me to know that in time they will all die, just as my dreams and hopes of a lasting love slowly withered away. However, my heart is healing with the new abundance of love I have found in Dave, and I know, that one day, my dream rose garden, now just a phathomless thought, will once again become a reality.
Well, here we go again! Dreams and aspirations withering away. I am sad to inform you that of the two roses I transplanted only one survives, Oranges and Lemons. As for the 38 left on the land only 4 are striving for life. It is my understanding that they are Tropicana, The Fairy, Henry Fonda, and Living Easy. I distincly remember tears forming in my eyes upon hearing this news. I have not ventured out to the land to inspect the damages. As much as I would like too, I do not believe that would be in my best interest. It also pains me to inform you that Dave and I are no longer together. Reasons unbenonced to me caused the break-up. Dreams and Aspirations... do they ever come true? Maybe one day I will know.
*****SPRING 1997 UPDATE*****
and I decided to go our separate ways. Though I remained living on the land throughout the spring and summer, in August I left. Over the past 7 months, he and I have tried to work our differences out. However, we both have come to realize that what we once shared can be no more. Although parting brings sadness, I am also very happy to know that we can also part as friends and confidons.*****EARLY SUMMER 1997 UPDATE*****
1996 AARS WINNER
3 Different Grades of Roses...The Intriguing Story Behind The Discovery Of Mini Roses...