Saturday, April 24, 2010

Feeding Roses

 Unnamed inherited rose in my garden (possibly Pink Perpetue)

I love roses. As far as I'm concerned you can never have enough roses (or clematis).  I inherited several, and have planted many more.  My favourites are the English roses which have a delightful scent and gorgeous shape.  I think I now have over 30 (but I'm sure there will be a couple more by the end of the summer - I have my eye on Fantin Latour for a start!).

Earlier this year I bought a book Guide to Natural Housekeeping by Cabbages and Roses after reading about it on Tales from a Cottage Garden.
In this book they recommend using Epsom Salts to feed roses, something I'd never heard of before.  They say that roses fed with Espom Salts are "bushier and produce more flowers than those treated with commercial fertilizer".  So, along with a friend, I'm giving it ago this year.   I gave them their first feed a couple of weeks ago and I'll let you know how they get on.



7 comments:

Marigold Jam said...

Let's hope the roses enjoy their Epsom, Salts feed - you certainly learn something new every day here in blogland!

Let us know if it works.

Jame

Jo said...

It will be interesting to know if the epsom salts work. I don't have any roses in my garden, but I'd quite like a pale yellow one which will grow well in a container.

Marigold Jam said...

Me again - sorry I forgot to say thank you for the award - much appreciated. I won't pass it on to anyone in particular as wouldn't want to leave anyone out but will post it to all my followers next post. Thanks again.

Jane

Anonymous said...

That's a useful tip, I shall have to get some. I'm new to your blog and have enjoyed reading it. Funny how one becomes attracted to some blogs but not others isn't it.

Reading Tea Leaves said...

It's a great book isn't it Su - full of fascinating tips which are easy to replicate. It will be interesting to see if the Epsom salts have the desired effect on your roses - I haven't actually tried it on mine!

Jeanne
x

Anna said...

Have heard the Epsom salts tip before Su but have never tried it so hope that you let us know the outcome. Your inherited rose is a beauty.

Su said...

I'll certainly let you all know how they do this year.
Welcome Toffeeapple, I'm glad you found us
Su