The Raw Prune

Newcastle Herald

Saturday July 3, 2004

Judy Sharpe

THIS year you probably resisted the temptation to prune your roses during June the weather has kept them blooming and producing new buds and growth.

By now, gardeners normally feel pressured by the unsightly black spot and fungal-splattered leaves. This year the weather is so mild rose pruning can even be delayed until August or at least the last week of July.

Frost prone areas should wait until frosts have finished.

Roses are pruned twice yearly to remove older wood and encourage new growth as roses flower best on young wood. Before you begin, remember these "don'ts": never prune climbing roses at this time (they are pruned after flowering); newly planted roses shouldn't be pruned or fed; be careful not to attempt to prune every rose to the same height as different varieties grow to varying heights.

Prune David Austin roses according to their growth some like winter prune, others like regular maintenance, particularly when flowers are being picked.

Before pruning roses (shrubs or trees), remember to use sharp saws and secateurs. Keep pruning equipment clean by disinfecting tools to stop the spread of disease.

Prepare to remove about one-third of the growth, cutting off dead wood, pruning to maintain an open centre, cut just above an upwardly pointing bud. Feed with a bucketful of poultry manure, spray immediately with Lime Sulphur then add one handful of rose food three weeks later.

If you have any doubts about removing a piece then don't; you can always take more off but you can't put it back on.

Some gardeners are reluctant to make the first cut, hesitating from lack of experience, while some hack, clip and butcher any plant that does not jump out of the way.

Never consider pruning in any of these ways it should be seen as an integral part of garden maintenance.

July seems to be the darkest hour in the gardening year, but don't become too complacent. If you live in a frosty area, remember to hose plants before the sun reaches them after frost.

Frost-tender plants can be sprayed with Envy. Particularly consider this for tropical specimens or newly bedded plants.

Keep an eye on Rhoeos and Crotons. If potted they should be taken inside or at least onto a covered patio. Plants that are affected by cold should be left until spring to prune.

Trees affected by peach leaf curl (new spring leaves are thickened and distorted) should be sprayed now with Dry Bordeaux.

garden notes

UPDATE: If your lawn is turning brown, don't panic. You probably have buffalo shademaster. Forget trying to green up the lawn because this turf hates winter if planted out in the open. Under trees it will maintain a rich green colour. It really is a waiting game until the warm weather returns.

JOB FILE:

1. Prepare soil for early tomatoes.

2. Take cuttings of frangipani and leave them until the sap dries.

3. Plant fruit trees, especially deciduous varieties, plums, peaches and apples.

© 2004 Newcastle Herald

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