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WE'RE HERE TO HELP ...GARDENING IS ONE THING we can all safely do and share in this uncertain time. As we each try to expand our gardening experience, it's fun to work virtually with one another to figure out how to handle plant care basics and new issues that may arise. Many of our Garden Club members are long-time gardeners or trained master gardeners who may be able to help provide answers to common problems.
May 2020: A rock can be a hard place
Q: I purchased a gorgeous Proven Winners Knock Out Sunny yellow rose bush for my Mother’s day/birthday gift (what fun)! However. when I was digging the hole to plant it, I discovered a very very large rock about 12” down. I was unable to find the edge to remove it and believe me, I dug for about 15 minutes, 😓. So I covered the rock with a inch or so of earth and dropped the rose bush in with some Osmocote and water. I then back-filled and watered liberally.
Here’s the question, can it survive sitting on top of that rock? It’s in a spot in the garden where I need color and it gets lots of sun. – Nancy DiRomualdo
A: Hmmmm - the main problem is that the soil will dry out pretty quickly. Roses aren’t particularly deep-rooted, but they are thirsty. If you can move it, it would really be better, but if you can’t, I would at least put a LOT of compost around it because compost can hold moisture a little better. And then mulch. And water particularly well this first summer. -- Kathy Balles
Here’s the question, can it survive sitting on top of that rock? It’s in a spot in the garden where I need color and it gets lots of sun. – Nancy DiRomualdo
A: Hmmmm - the main problem is that the soil will dry out pretty quickly. Roses aren’t particularly deep-rooted, but they are thirsty. If you can move it, it would really be better, but if you can’t, I would at least put a LOT of compost around it because compost can hold moisture a little better. And then mulch. And water particularly well this first summer. -- Kathy Balles