Rose Cutting – October, 2007

Mulch, mulch, mulch!

At the Antique Rose Emporium, we fertilize our roses and
perennials with mulches, and now would be an excellent time
to apply them in your garden. Many fungi, bacteria and nematodes
that are unfairly associated as problems for the gardener
actually feed on mulches. They help break down these mulches
and other organic matter, providing nutrients for our plants.
Two inches of hardwood bark mulch added to our landscaped
beds in early summer provides not only a food source for
these critters, but also insulates the soil from large temperature
swings, buffers the pH, increases the water-holding capacity,
improves the look of your beds and eases weed elimination.
What could be better for your garden throughout the summer?

About the author: Mike Shoup is the owner of the Antique
Rose Emporium. Visit their Brenham and San Antonio display
gardens for endless ideas on landscaping with roses.