Hello, green thumbs and outdoor enthusiasts alike! July, the height of summer, is a time of abundance and beauty in the garden, a season that resonates with the ceaseless work of our diligent gardening team. And nothing bears testament to their meticulous care more than the stunning rose arches in the picturesque setting of Houghton Lodge Gardens.
Our splendid rose arches have been a source of admiration and delight for our numerous visitors, and all credit for this spectacle goes to the skilled efforts of our team in tending these roses, particularly their thoughtful pruning over the winter months. Left unchecked, the roses might have turned into a tangled mess, offering minimal blooms.
But how exactly does one prune rambling roses? The task may appear daunting initially, yet it’s genuinely rewarding and can even be therapeutic. So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a budding enthusiast, here’s a step-by-step guide to pruning rambling roses that will take the mystery out of this essential gardening task:
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Pruning Season: The best time for routine pruning of rambling roses is late summer, although major overhauls should be carried out during Autumn/Winter when the plant is dormant.
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Deadheading: This is a personal choice in summer. If your rose variety produces lovely rosehips, let the spent flowers be. Otherwise, trim them off to encourage new growth.
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Winter Pruning: The absence of leaves makes it easier to spot branches in need of pruning.
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The Three D’s: Look out for Dead, Diseased, and Dying branches first. These are your primary targets for pruning.
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Cut Back: Remove weak shoots at the base and tidy any old stubs left from previous pruning seasons.
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Retain the Strong: Preserve the robust, healthy-looking branches. Anything that appears very old can be cut down to the ground.
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Shorten Side Shoots: Cut back side shoots to three nodes. This encourages bushier growth and more flowers.
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Branch Management: If necessary, untie, cut back, and re-tie long branches. Try snaking the branches across the frame or wall – horizontal stems yield more flowers!
But of course, a garden isn’t just about roses. So what other tasks might keep you busy in July?
Remember to water your sweet peas daily if possible, and keep picking them to encourage further flowering. Don’t forget to cut back any dried or dying lavender and, of course, weed regularly.
Our under-gardener, Cat, shares snippets of her work and helpful gardening tips on her Instagram @cat.kin_. Follow her for a daily dose of gardening inspiration!
We hope these insights encourage any budding rose enthusiasts to dive into the rewarding task of tending rambling roses. You can’t also read more about our Hampshire Rose Garden
There’s a unique joy in nurturing these blossoming beauties, and we at Houghton Lodge Gardens are always here to guide you on your gardening journey.
So put on your gardening gloves, grab those secateurs, and let’s keep the world blooming, one rose at a time!
