This year I have talked a lot about water in the garden. Mainly because we have had so much rain. Seriously, in my area we set a record for rain in July … breaking a record that was set in 1835. That’s a lot of rain.
When you have as many plants as I do, water is very important. Not only is it needed for plants to survive–roses just happen to really like it! I will tell you that I love hand watering my roses. I like to be up close and personal with them and watering is a great time for that. I even find it very relaxing! However, when you have as many as I do, that is not always possible, so a couple of years ago I began to dream of a “system” of water. One that would provide water to some of my garden areas … not all … just some. Water that came at just the right time, in just the right amount and was programmable with a timer!!!
My engineer, Mr. G, started researching some simple solutions. One of the main criteria for the solution was that it could be easily moved. He knows me very well and how I love to move plants around!! If you are a gardener you totally get that! 🙂
Believe it or not, we decided that this would be the year we would take the “plunge” and add a “system” of water to some of the garden areas. Dream come true … pushing some buttons, setting a timer. The roses were going to love it. I was going to love it.
But it just kept raining. And raining. And raining. No need to push any buttons. And, the roses loved it.
While it rained, Mr. G brought home pieces and parts of water systems for me to choose from! I learned about different sprinkler heads, shrublers and timing systems.
I’ve been excited to get things set up and geek out over water flow direction, water amounts, etc.
Finally we have a dry week and then another dry week. And scorching temps! The time had come! This week was our driest week of the summer and I was ready to set that timer, push a few buttons and watch water come at just the right time, in just the right amount. Big week! Great right?
Well last night was the ultimate in the water adventure so far … at 10 :30 pm, I jumped up out of my chair and in somewhat of a panic I asked Mr. G if I could have his biggest flash light. He looked at me with a look that said “what are you up to now!” I exclaimed, “I need to turn off my timer!!! It had been pouring rain all day and I feared my great new “system” was about to drown my babies!
Don’t get me wrong, I am very grateful for the rain–so much more nourishing than what will come from my “system,” but know this … when the rain stops and the drought comes, I am prepared! I am already! I am eager! …to push the buttons on my timer and smile! Especially on those extremely busy days when there is just not enough time to give each one of them my attention. 🙂
More Rain….
Roses and Water
- Roses love water; however, they do not like wet feet so provide them with good drainage. Something of grand importance in my area where we have so much clay in our soil.
- Water when the top 2-3″ of soil is dry. As you observe your roses, you will begin to recognize the signs.
- Water deeply. The roots of your roses go down to about 18″ … that’s where the water is needed. Less frequent but deep watering is ideal.
- The best time to water roses is in the early morning. Giving them plenty of time to dry before nightfall.
- Keeping the leaves as dry as possible especially at night can help deter the fungus that loves your roses too.
- Mulch! Not only does mulch give our garden beds that finished look, it is extremely helpful in retaining moisture!
Here are some pictures from this week in the garden…
Has it been dry or rainy where you garden?
Your garden looks fabulous, Teresa.
Thanks Cynthia. Oh there are plenty of “weak” places that need to be dealt with! Next week I will be dealing with some overachieving perennials! I call this stage of the garden season “divide and conquer!” Have a great day!
Beautiful! I know what you mean about nature having a mischievous sense of humor when it comes to our watering intentions. 🙂
Had great success with drip irrigation and various ‘devices’ to control the spray direction. http://www.dripworks.com
Thanks Humberto! Good advice.
Beautiful! Your roses look lush and gorgeous! I always find that no matter how much I water the garden really prefers the real stuff from above. Have a lovely weekend.
You are so right! They prefer that nutritious rain!!!🌹🌹🌹 What are you favorite roses?
So envious that you can grow the David Austins….they just don’t do so well for me here in Florida. A lot of disease problems and nematodes! The Noisettes are really good for me – Crepescule being a favorite climber.
I wish I could grow Noisettes! They are so beautiful! Crepescule is so lovely! The Austins are pretty and I’m glad we can grow them.
Our garden water tank is full so we are all prepared for when Summer comes! Your garden is looking very lush and picturesque!
Don’t you feel great when you water tank is full. We have a well that we use for the garden. The water in our house comes from a different source. Water is key to our gardens for sure!
rain drops keep falling on my plants, actually I love thunderstorms because of the thunder and wind more than the rain, thanks for sharing your story. I also like to use watering as a way to interact with my plants to look at them see if they need pruning and just to say hello. weird I know. your flowers are beautiful.
Hand watering is one of my fav things but when you have close to 200… time gets to be a factor for sure. I still have plenty to hand water and love every minute of it.