Summer is here, which seems like a fitting time to talk about two summer favourites: sunflowers and roses. Specifically, I’m going to talk about how to plant sunflower seeds and how to create your own rose garden for summer!
These vibrant blooms hold a special place in our hearts, evoking a sense of excitement and adding glorious splashes of colour and enchantment to our gardens!
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, growing sunflowers and roses is a delightful experience that can transform your garden into a captivating oasis. So, let’s get your garden full of all the yellow, orange, pinks, reds and creams!
How to plant sunflower seeds
Sunflowers are nature’s showstoppers, adding incredible height and definition to any garden. Growing them with children in pots or borders is a joyous activity that fosters a love for nature and the wonders of gardening.
So, are you ready to grow sunflowers? Here’s how you can get started:
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Start in late spring.
To kickstart your sunflower journey, begin planting the seeds indoors in late spring. Sunflowers are notorious for their rapid growth, so get ready for an exciting journey.
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Use 3cm Pots and Peat-Free Compost.
Choose 3cm pots and fill them with peat-free compost. Gently plant the sunflower seeds a couple of inches down into the pots. No need to push them to the bottom.
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Regular watering.
Water your sunflower seeds regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. With just the right amount of TLC, you’ll see them sprout and flourish.
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Consider multiple seeds per pot.
For a fuller display, you can plant 2 or even 3 seeds in a single pot. However, as they grow taller, you’ll need to transplant them into separate pots to give each sunflower ample space to thrive.
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Time to move outdoors.
Once your sunflowers reach approximately 30cm in height, it’s time to introduce them to the great outdoors. Secure them gently to small canes for support, ensuring you don’t tie them too tightly or expose them to excessively windy locations. We wouldn’t want any heartbreaking mishaps!
Crafting your own enchanting rose garden for summer
Roses are a favourite for so many! Lots of colours and sizes and smells!
We are very fortunate to have a large collection of roses in the gardens: in the walled garden, by the river, out the front of the Apple Rooms and most recently a huge selection of over 100 roses in the new Oriental Garden.
With a touch of creativity, a sprinkle of patience and a dash of love, you can transform your outdoor sanctuary into a haven of fragrant blooms and timeless elegance; your very own exquisite rose garden.
Here are my top tips for bringing your rose garden to life:
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Think about the size and colour of the roses.
In the kaleidoscope of rose varieties, each one boasts its own unique allure. So, before diving into the ethereal world of rose gardening, take a moment to envision the kind of paradise you wish to create.
Are you captivated by the classic charm of tea roses or enamoured by the wild beauty of climbing roses? Do you fancy a sunshiny display of yellows, creams and oranges? Or perhaps you prefer a romantic cottage garden with traditional creams and pinks?
Consider the colours, fragrances, and growth habits that resonate with your spirit, and select a harmonious collection that will grace your garden with endless enchantment.
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Buy bare rootstock roses in winter and plant/mulch them.
I feel this is the cheaper option and gives the roses time to settle and grow, but if you missed the winter window, fear not! There is no reason why you can’t buy roses in tubs from your local nursery in spring/summer. You could have a selection of different sized ceramic pots and create a dazzling display of roses on a patio or by a backdoor.
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Select an ideal location.
A rose garden flourishes best in a place where it can bask in the gentle caress of sunlight and embrace the whispers of a soft breeze. Find a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Roses also appreciate well-drained soil, so ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging. A thoughtful location sets the stage for the marvellous beauty that is yet to unfold.
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Prepare the soil.
To create the optimal environment for your rose companions, prepare the soil with tender care. Begin by removing any weeds and gently aerating the earth. Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to enrich its fertility and texture. This nurturing foundation will offer your roses a nurturing embrace, encouraging strong roots and robust growth.
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Plant with love.
With joyful anticipation, it is time to plant the cherished roses in their new home. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to comfortably accommodate the root ball.
Gently loosen the roots and place the rose in the hole, ensuring that the bud union is level with the soil surface. Backfill the hole, gently tucking the soil around the roots. Give each rose a tender drink of water!
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Remember, this may take some time.
Creating a lush rose garden is a labour of love that requires patience and nurturing. A full and lush rose garden will take a few years to establish.
Roses are amazing plants with exceptional growth potential, but need time to get them to top form and nurturing to reach their full splendour.
Water your roses deeply, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plants will help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Regularly feed your roses with a balanced rose fertiliser, following the instructions diligently. Prune selectively, shaping your roses with an artist’s eye, and removing any dead or diseased wood. Caring for roses is a dance between nature and nurture.
GARDENERS’ JOBS FOR JUNE:
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Watering, Watering, Watering. June can bring dry spells, so make sure to water your plants regularly. Keep an eye out for drought warnings and consider using water butts to conserve water wherever possible.
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Weeding. Tend to those pesky weeds to create space for your beloved blooms to shine.
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Provide supports for tall plants like hollyhocks and delphiniums with stakes or trellises. These elegant beauties deserve the extra assistance to stand tall and proud.
So, with these tips in your green-thumb arsenal, now you know how to plant sunflower seeds and create your own beautiful rose garden! It may take time and nurturing, but the rewards will be worth every moment spent tending to them.
Good luck with your sunflowers and roses! May your garden be filled with their stunning colours and delightful fragrances!
And don’t forget to pay a visit to Houghton Lodge Gardens to witness the breathtaking beauty of our roses firsthand. We look forward to welcoming you!
Cat, Undergardener
Find her on Instagram @cat.kin_
