Keen gardeners braved wintry conditions at the weekend for Morwell Centenary Rose Garden’s annual pruning demonstrations.
There was a sea of rain jackets and umbrellas on Saturday as people from throughout Gippsland gathered to learn a tip or two about rose culture.
Morwell Centenary Rose Garden vice president Bev Maguire said a demonstrator from the Rose Society of Victoria gave onlookers a few tricks of the trade.
“The weather certainly wasn’t the highlight,” Ms Maguire said.
“But the weather didn’t put the public off. We had 22 people come on Saturday even though it was raining and about a dozen on Sunday.
“They got a lesson on how to look after their tools, how to plant a rose, how to look after it and what is needed to be done and at what times of the year spraying needs to take place.”
Pruning will continue over the coming month as only a handful of the garden’s volunteers specialise in pruning the heritage and species roses.
Rose Society of Victoria member and Morwell garden member Carl Ellefsen demonstrated how roses should be pruned and gave helpful hints to enthusiasts on hand.
“Really people wanted to know which parts to get rid of the rose and which pieces to cut off, and how to ensure you get the best blooms on your bush,” Mr Ellefsen said.
For more information, including how to volunteer, visit morwellrosegarden.com.au.
Handy tips to look after your roses:
Check the quality of your soil using a PH tester from your local hardware store or nursery.
Mulch around the plants to retain moisture especially during the dryer months.
Use good fertiliser in spring to promote growth and good health.
Ensure your secateurs are sharp, cleaned and wiped with metholated spirts after pruning each rose.
Trim your roses after flowering in spring to promote new flowers within a 60-day period.
