August in the Master Gardener's Rose Cycle chart (https://napamg.ucanr.edu/files/254549.pdf) indicates we have a lot of deadheading to do on our 50 bushes. In addition, ideally we should add some fresh mulch around the trunk out to the drip line of the bush. The drip line being the widest area below where the branches can reach. A well decomposed mulch, spread lightly over that area, will nourish the bush for several months. Mulch will cool the soil, retain moisture, reduce weed growth,and will fully decompose.
Deadheading encourages the rose to continue producing buds and color for the next couple of months. Keeping the center of the bushes open to air circulation is a must. Dying canes or crossing stems should be cleared out, as well. Check the irritation systems for the proper amount of water provided and to make sure there are no leaks or breaks in the system.
You will see more pests in the rose bushes this time of year. Aphids are a very common soft bodied problem. In low populations, aphids can be dealt with easily and effectively by washing aphids off your plants with a blast of plain water from the hose or just ignored. A dense infestation of aphids can treated with an insecticidal soap spray. The soap covers and smothers the soft body pest. Or for a quick kill you can rub them between your fingers (FYI: always wear gloves in the rose garden). You could also just be patient and let natural predators control them. Local natural enemies include lacewings, soldier beetles, lady beetles, earwigs and small parasitic wasps. Source: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/natural-enemies/
ROSE of the MONTH: The “LIVIN' EASY”
The “Livin' Easy” is one of the most productive roses in the garden. It is also known as “Harwelcome” in some circles. It was developed in England in 1992. It is a floribunda with a moderate fruit/sweet smell. It is a pale orange or dark apricot color, the backs are slightly paler and the center is more yellow. It has copious blooms most of the year. It is notable in our garden in that is one of the largest bushes that also has massive thorns. Sniff, but not too close is a wise approach to this bush. It is located near the water fountain in the SE corner of the garden.
Remember when pruning to toss that plant debris into your city compost bin and NOT your own compost pile. The Napa City compost center produces higher temperatures to destroy the spores while your backyard pile will not do so. When it comes to add mulch, consider getting it from the Napa recycling center.
If you have questions about the Fuller Park Rose Garden and the Master Gardeners (M.G.s) who maintain that Rose Garden, the M.G.'s are usually in the Garden the first Sunday and third Thursday of each month between 10:00 and 12:00, weather permitting.
Napa Master Gardeners are available to answer garden questions by email: mastergardeners@countyofnapa.org. or phone at 707-253-4143. Volunteers will get back to you after they research answers to your questions. You can also go to our Master Gardner website: napamg.ucanr.edu for more details.
Photo Credits: Bob Niklewicz