The Perfumed Garden & Roseraie

Last updated by
KirkyWeb
March 19th 2006

Sophie Adamson (The ‘Rose Lady’)

The gardener stands between Heaven and Earth: the Boundless and the Bordered; a minor god with dirty feet.

Sophie Adamson: The Peninsula's "Rose Lady"

In gardening circles, Sophie Adamson is regarded as an expert on old style roses, always willing to share her experience, expertise and a ‘rosey’ point of view. Here she speaks about her love for Old Roses:

“From a general love of plants, I first remember being drawn to the look of old roses in particular from their appearance in the paintings of the old European masters. The full, cupped blooms and jewel colours evoked for me the epitome of beauty and romance, adding to memories of the simple beauty of species roses, frequently illustrated on the birthday and greeting cards of my European childhood.

Through the Heritage Rose Society, began the wider fascination & love affair with roses through visiting gardens, reading, listening etc. Then through one of those fortunate quirks-of-destiny, I was offered The Perfumed Garden. Although modern in terms of conception, these were roses which retained the essence of old roses in their colour form and fragrance, with the added quality of repeat flowering, lacking in many old roses. Most importantly, this change in my career now allows me total indulgence in the rose world - continual discovery of yet more treasures, sharing this with like-minded enthusiasts, introducing old roses to new learners, listening to those who know, reading, visiting gardens and developing my own. I can't ask for more.”

Click here to read a personal Invitation from Sophie. (Opens in a new window)

View details of Sophie's qualitications, memberships, publications and activities within gardening and rose-growing circles. (24KB pdf file, will open in a new window)

Expert Advice

Many people are under the misapprehension that roses require lots of attention and are difficult to grow. Don't feel daunted - roses are hardy and forgiving. When you understand their particular requirements, and apply a little loving care, you'll be rewarded by abundant flowers filling your garden and home with colour and perfume!

Watch this space for Sophie's advice on Pruning, Planting, Disease and Pest Control, Garden Design and more!

‘The June Prune’ - Pruning Workshops

Pruning your roses in winter, shapes and revitalises the bush to promote profuse flowering in the following season. Baffled by all the do's and don'ts? It's really not complicated when you know how…

In her June Prune workshops, Sophie describes and demonstrates the principles of pruning all types of roses, including potted roses, bushes, pillar, espaliered, climbers . Sophie's so sure that you can't go wrong, you can even practise on her roses if you wish!

Contact Sophie in May or June to book a pruning workshop - ph: 03 5974 4833; mobile: 0407 456 900

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If a person cannot love a plant after he has pruned it, then he has either done a poor job or is devoid of emotion. - Liberty Hyde Bailey

Planting Barerooted Roses

When your plants arrive:

Undo the package and soak roots in water or in a mild solution of charlie carp or other seaweed product for a few hours.
If not ready to plant immediately, keep roots damp by keeping wrapped in damp newspaper.
To keep longer than about 3 days, plants should be "heeled in" [Plant in a large pot or open space in the garden, several plants bundled together may be placed in a large hole. Firm down the soil well and water in]

When you are ready to plant:

Ideal situation: Open, sunny, well drained.
Min 4-5 hours sun (all day is best).
Shade - reduces quantity of flowers; increases incidence of fungal disease.
Protection from wind is essential for good blooms. But allow for good circulation of air to avoid fungal problems: Don't plant to close to other shrubs or trees.

Dig over soil several times in the weeks prior to planting. Addition of well rotted animal manure and/or small amount blood of bone is beneficial. Do not add fertilisers or chook manure at planting time as may burn the roots.
Dig hole, large enough to take the roots. (approx 25cm deep and 30 cm wide)
Fill hole with water and allow to drain.
Make a small mound at bottom of hole.
Place roots down and out over the mound.
Cover with soil. Fill to just below the bud union.
Firm down moderately.
Water well. Addition of a plant starter (any of the sea products or ‘Charlie Carp’) is helpful at this stage.

To plant standards:

Follow instructions above.
At step 4, drive a sturdy stake into the hole.
Tie standard to the stake close to the bud graft and just below the head using soft material such as nylon stocking or interlocking garden chain.

The plant can now be left untended in its sunny well-drained position, assuming winter rains keep the soil moist. Depending on when spring comes in your region (watch for bud swell) apply organic fertilizer. Special rose foods have the added advantage of having all the necessary minerals etc but most animal manures are adequate; if fowl manure is used, apply only sparingly – it promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowering- add potash to correct.

Mulch to suppress weeds and preserve moisture. Lucerne is best as it provides useful nutrients.

As soon as the plant has good leaf cover, foliar spray every two to three weeks with a seaweed product or Charlie Carp (alternate perhaps). This will promote healthy growth and keep fungus problems, such as black spot, at bay.

Good luck! Enjoy your roses

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The Perfumed Garden & Roseraie
The Briars, Nepean Hwy, Mt Martha Victoria 3934, Australia
ph: 03 5974 4833; mobile: 0407 456 900
Location: (Melways Ref: 145 D11)

Last updated by KirkyWeb March 19th, 2006
Photographs by Norm Sherwood and Kirsten Adamson