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| Rio Samba! |
Ranger Bob and I had clearance roses that were not leafing out. My Julia Childs rose grew darker and never popped a leaf, no matter how much I pruned and watered with stored rainwater.
One Rio Samba leafed out and bloomed at Ranger Bob's, but the other remained green and almost lifeless. I noticed some start-up leaves that dried.
The Sass and I pass his home on our morning walks, so I began bringing the watering can with rainwater for both roses. This is one of those 50% rain days, meaning a light shower at best.
I also have afternoon visits with the Rio Sambas because Sassy goes there first, for Bob's water (a bowl he refreshes daily for all critters) and the chance to see her friend. It is touching to see her stop and listen for his voice or movements, and also to bark a few wake-up calls - at 4 PM.
I look for green rose canes that look plump with water. This part of the year is hard on new roses. The first green leaf popped out and a tiny branch came out too. This involves the roots growing more than anything else. Clearly the sunshine, heat, and wind tend to dry out the canes while spring rains - which we take for granted - provide regular day long soaks and usable nitrogen. Never underestimate the usable nitrogen of rain and the negative effects of chlorinated hose water.
I would rather water in the morning, to frustrate slugs, which love darkness and damp plants for leaf chewing. They work into Hosta plants with great vigor; my Hosta leaves have the holes to prove it.
Watering deeply and slowly in the morning gives the roots a reason to grow downward and be more resistant to drought. The second Rio Samba rose should show some real progress now - and teach Bob the value of patience and having a neighbor with a watering can + rainwater.
Ranger Bob's latest visit here included two beautiful bouquets of flowers for Christina. "I could not figure out which one was better, so I bought both." He also ordered me to add a red gladiolus to the double-gift of flowers, so I cut one as ordered.
Patience Rewarded
Patient doting on a reluctant plant is worth the effort, very rewarding for the budding or veteran gardener.One Poke Weed was sitting in the middle of bare earth but surrounded by dozens of coffee filters with grounds in them. I put big pieces of cardboard over the surface mess and weighed it down with wood mulch. Now the Poke sits there, strong and growing, not bothered by competition or shade. It is also in the path of dumped out rain barrels.
Various backyard clearance roses received their rainwater. If they droop now, I will use the hose to spiff them up, since rain is coming - so they say.
The cul-de-sac's Joe Pye have bloomed now. Bob has two. I have 18 from previous years and 7 from this year's planting. I decided to reclaim the Blackberry patch - if possible. Both are bully plants, but Joe Pye grows up and out, reaching 8 feet. It will be a contest to see if the craft and guile of Blackberries can defeat the majestic stance and shade-casting of Joe Pye.
Veterans Honor - they are shoehorned into place in the Rose and Joe Pye Garden. I have to tramp around peak to find them, but when I do! There will be one or two blooms glowing in the sunlight and destined for a vase.
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| Not my trophy! Veterans Honor is much more enchanting live. |
