The dictionary defines a mulch as “a protective covering (as of sawdust, compost, or paper) spread or left on the ground to reduce evaporation, maintain even soil temperature, prevent erosion, control weeds, enrich the soil, or keep fruit (such as strawberries) clean” which it does, and also enhances the area’s overall appearance. Mulching mimics the […]
Mulch is a Very Good Thing for your Roses Read More »
Iceberg is one of the most widely grown roses in the world, valued for its reliability, vigor, and near-constant bloom. The flowers are crisp white, sometimes opening with a hint of pale green or blush, and are borne in generous clusters that keep the plant looking fresh for months at a time. While the fragrance
Good Roses for Marin – Iceberg Read More »
Thinking about planting new roses, but your soil is less than desirable? Shaping up your soil may take a couple of different steps, with the first thing being getting to know your soil. Once you understand what you’re working with you can take steps to create healthy soil. Some general considerations for all of your
Getting Your Soil in Shape Read More »
If you’re looking for a new rose to add to your garden, and have a particular color or type in mind, take a look at our updated “Good Roses for Marin” listing here. The Marin Rose Society Consulting Rosarians, who live in different parts of the county, compiled a list of roses that generally do
Introducing Good Roses for Marin Read More »
Here in Northern California we prune roses from January until mid-February, putting our roses into dormancy to provide a good bloom cycle in the spring. Most of the varieties bloom on new growth. Remember the following: dead, diseased, crossing and skimpy. Use these four words as a guide to remove canes for all hybrid teas,
Pruning Time is Here! Read More »
Want something brand new for the garden? Here are some of the roses being introduced now. Click on their name to learn more and see photos:
Beautiful New Roses for 2026 Read More »
It’s a favorite time of the year for us rose lovers, when nurseries feature bare root roses, both on-line and locally. Prices for bare root roses are much lower than those grown in containers, and the selection is extensive! If you’re thinking of adding new plants to your garden, it’s a good time to start
It’s Rose Shopping Season! Read More »
Want fabulous plants? You need healthy soil. While garden soil will never be glamorous, it is the foundation for our gardens. What you can see going on with your roses above the ground is largely determined by what goes on beneath your feet that is all but invisible to you. The conditions the roots of
Get your Soil Ready for Planting Read More »
If we were sitting with David Austin, having a spot of tea, and he remarked that he could not think of any other rose with quite so strong a fragrance as ‘Gertrude Jekyll’, I should rather think we would take note. Indeed, ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ is one of the best and most popular of David Austin’s
Good Pink Roses for Marin – Gertrude Jekyll Read More »
Warm days and cool nights are happening now. These are perfect conditions for powdery mildew to thrive in the garden. This common disease is easily recognized by the talcum-powder like appearance on new and old leaves, tender new shoots, some flowers, and fruits. It affects a huge range of plants, not just roses; crape myrtle,
The Powdery Blight Read More »
