Ellen Sullivan
The Robson Ranch Garden Club met on Jan. 19 and heard from speaker Erin Smith. Erin is the Denton County Natural Resources Extension agent. She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture. She knows how to make plants thrive through her background in landscape design and installation. She works directly with Texas Master Gardeners and community members to promote sustainable practices, practical solutions, and plant education.
Erin has led research and development projects for the Tyler Rose Garden. She is particularly involved with rose production, and she has been a judge in the All-American Rose Selections trials. Her presentation to the Robson Garden Club was very informative about rose care in our area. Her advice generally for roses is to provide them with 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day in well-drained soil and to be sure the soil provides appropriate nutrients. Remember, less sun exposure means the rose bush will produce fewer blooms.
There are more than 150 species of roses and many hundreds of varieties in each species. It is important to plan for both your desires and the reality of your yard when choosing a species to plant. Be sure to choose a variety that has been tested for this area. The best way to find a variety that will be hardy? Find an old, abandoned farmhouse that has a rose bush still growing, even though it is neglected! If that is not possible, buy from a reputable local nursery and not a big-box store! Ask for help in choosing, and be prepared to keep an eye on your new plant once it is in place.
Roses need to be set in mulch and have even moisture. However, they do not do well with water left standing on their leaves. They should be planted with a mixture of compost and native soil. Roses need a high level of magnesium and calcium in their soil. Great tip: Add 1/4 cup Epson salts to the area to increase magnesium! Texas A&M University offers soil testing for a nominal fee.
Roses do require some time for deadheading, checking for insects, and pruning, but a little regular time will produce lovely results! Be sure to wear protective clothing and gloves when working with roses. But, believe it or not, rose breeders are developing a variety of thornless roses!
Erin kindly provided three rose bushes as door prizes, which were won by Gloria Sutherland, Janelle Roth, and Christine Sutton. Ralph Brunks and Patricia Fairhurst each won a garden-themed plaque, donated by Carol Berry.
Robson Ranch Garden Club meets next on Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the Lonestar Room at the clubhouse. Please save your egg cartons, plastic clam shell containers, and berry produce baskets and bring them to our monthly meetings. We will deliver them to Shiloh Field to help with their dispensing of produce to food pantries and kitchens in the Denton area.