Tag: roses

Water tank

September 26, 2020

In my backyard I have an old concrete water tank that supplies my drinking water. Its other purpose is home to my climbing roses. When we run out of rain water a very brave water delivery man must meet the challenge of climbing the tank and finding the inlet opening. I often have a difficult choice; water or roses. I generally, and very reluctantly, take pity and prune out a gap.

Today it was windy. Actually that is an understatement; it was blowing a gale. I managed to take some pictures of the roses, but they were being blown around by the wind.

Both the red and white roses are old fashioned singles. Their beauty is pure and simple. Their perfume is heavenly.

Sadly the white rose puts on a magnificent show but it is only fleeting. It only blooms for a very short period of time. The red rose keeps producing flowers for much longer.

Saying goodbye to winter

August 24, 2020

Today marks the start of the last week of winter. The wintry weather is persisting, but I’m looking forward to the start of Spring.

Yesterday I took some pictures from my upstairs window and noticed a little dot of colour down below in a pot. It was a bit of a mystery. Being winter here, there’s not much of this colour in my garden at all. So I braved the cold to investigate.

It was a rose flower that has clung on since I pruned them last. At that time I couldn’t bear to nip off the final rose. Looking more closely, it was a fairly battered about, missing a few petals and looked a bit wind blown. With the arctic ‘breeze’ this week, I have to say I’m surprised it had any petals at all.

I’m awaiting the time when it has new blooms so that I can share them.

Also for Cee Neuner’s Flower of the Day Challenge (FOTD)

To prune or not to prune

July 1, 2020

In Australia, the general advice is to prune roses in June or July, after they have finished flowering. It is now July the first, so the time is right. Right? It always worries me, too early, too late, what do I do? The danger is frost. Frost can damage the canes of recently pruned roses. See my last post! We had frost! The weather here is so unpredictable. I’m hoping that the weather people have got it right when they said the frosts should ease of in our area for the next few weeks. The poor old plants were looking very sad. I don’t need gloom in my garden, there’s enough in the world around me. So, they can just take their chances. Off with their heads and other plant body parts.

A few late bloomers protested by looking beautiful, on their way to Rose Heaven. Sorry, I’m not saving you lot. You’ve caused me enough pain with all those thorns. You must be incinerated along with all your friends. You had a nasty case of black spot. We’ll blame the weather for that too. I’m not altogether heartless. I did save a few of your more attractive friends for one last vase. I have to say, I’m a little embarrassed to post their picture. I hope you can all do better in spring time. I’m looking forward to another wonderful and long lasting display. That is if you survive till then. At least you’re not in danger from COVID. Be happy with your lot in life.

For the record, the birds nest was empty.