Selecting the rose bush that will compliment your garden is such a joy. There are so many colors and variety including heirloom and heritage roses. Prices range from a few dollars and upward. They can be purchased from gardening catalogues, greenhouses, discount stores. When I purchase from a catalogue I look for disease resistant varieties when they are available. That is just a little more insurance for the success of my rose gardening. When I purchase from a discount store, I just buy what I like and put them in the ground.
Planting the rose bush should include a few steps to prepare for its life in your garden. First, I soak the roots for an hour or two in a bucket of water to make sure they have just had a good solid drink. While the roots are soaking, I prepare the hole that will house the bush. It is important to make the hole deep enough to accommodate the roots over the points where the root splits into branches. That area needs to be covered by at least 2 inches of soil. Next I pour water into the hole and let it soak into the surrounding soil.
Next I place the rose bush into the hole while spreading the roots a bit to hold it in place. Cover the roots with dirt and mound up a bit around the root stock. The bush is planted! Now it is time to think about care of your rose bush.
One of the common pests that afflict rose bushes is aphids. They are tiny little spider-like insects that have a good size appetite. They like both the leaves and the flowers. There are a number of products that can be used to fend off aphids but the simplest method is to plant some chives or garlic around the bush and the aphids will stay away.
I did learn the hard way that it is best to plant the chives or garlic in containers to place near the rose bush. Both plants like to spread and take over the area. The simple solution then is to put them into containers all by themselves.
Another common problem is fungus or rust. Again, there are a number of chemical laced products that are available but it is far healthier for the plants and for the surrounding ecosystem to use a sulfur based fungicide. It is available in most stores that carry rose bushes even though you may have to ask for it. There is a growing amount of chemical free products to use in your garden to treat a variety of garden problems.
Fertilizing your rose bushes will guarantee beautiful lush blooms and healthy plants. I use either bone meal, blood meal or an occasional fish head from my fishermen neighbors. Native American Indians learned centuries ago about the value of using organic materials to fertilize their crops and fish parts are notorious for their nutrient value.
Make sure that the rose bush gets a full day of sun, plenty of water and don't forget air circulation. Planting in an area that allows the bush to receive a nice flow of air will help to deter rust and fungus.
Roses have a reputation of being difficult to grow and care for but with a few tricks up your sleeve you can add them to your garden or borders and enjoy the scent and sight of this most beautiful of flower and keep your soil and water healthy also.
