This summer I’ve been monitoring the progress of my front yard revision. As I look out today I have many new roses including some bare root David Austin Roses, about six roses started from own-root cuttings, a few bought early this year as tiny 6-inch plants, and some transplanted out of large, root-bound pots into the ground. I even have one mini Patti Motta gave me in a modest pot that is thriving now in a large pot. I’m happy to say all are doing well. What astounded me was how well some of the cuttings started late last year are doing. A couple of the Sally Holmes are quickly filling in the space and now one is almost six feet across and blooming a second time. Since I get some shade in this area I tried to choose plants (like Sally Holmes) that can grow with less than 5 hours of full sun.
I had to make my major front yard renovation after a bout of Oak Root Fungus -Armillaria mellea or shoestring disease- (see the UC write-up for more information). The last two years the fungus killed many of my established plants, including Camellias and Rhododendrons over 8 feet tall and established for 40 years. I ended up having to remove about 10 cubic yards of soil and some huge roots. I replaced soil, so the infected root bits would not re-infect all the new plantings. I used clean Lyngso soil. In addition, I had a small leak last year in a major irrigation supply line that was galvanized and did a temporary repair, and then I started redoing my watering system. I changed the few old circuits to automatic valves and put in adjustable drip on the roses, plus mulch. And just near the end of the installation of new valves the large old galvanized water line developed a HUGE new hidden leak (probably under my concrete driveway). I found out when the water company knocked on my door (and called me) with news that I’d used more water in July than ever in 30 years. A factor of 4 higher than my highest summer usage. So, I had to cut out the old line, complete the new valves and sprinkler/ drips and get other faucets re-piped by plumbers. My water use is back to normal and now I have great soil, great watering flexibility and some great roses that I did not have before, as well as wisteria starting to climb on the house front to match that in back.
A few lessons for everyone out of this. Pay attention to water bill trends and if you think you hear water running in the pipes when it should not be, check it out. If you put a metal rod on a pipe and then listen near your ear you can hear water flowing. If you install drip, make it adjustable so you can tailor the water needs to individual plants. If you plant in the ground, amend the soil if needed or use good soil if the native soil has issues. If you ever find Oak Root Fungus anywhere in your yard, DON’T re-use your tools without cleaning off dirt and bits of roots, or move infected dirt around to other areas. I have battled Oak Root for 20 years, lost over 100 roses, plus many other plants and large trees. It seems stable now but I’m much more careful on cleaning shovels etc.
A couple of reminders of upcoming events at the District and National ARS level.
October 6-7, 2018
NCNH District Conference and Rose Show. Hosted by the Lodi-Woodbridge Rose Society. The event will be held at the Lodi Grape Festival and Event Center, 413 E. Lockeford Street, Lodi, CA 95240. There will be two speakers, one with Consulting Rosarian seminar credit. For more information please contact Eleanor Ackermanelli ([email protected]).
October 14, 2018
Consulting Rosarian School in SF. Contact Jolene Adams ([email protected] ) for more information.
October 25-29, 2018
San Diego. American Rose Society National Convention and Show click here.
Happy Gardening
Stu Dalton