leave the fragrance to your immagination

My roses lived in pots. They recieved a great deal of attention but the discomfort in their "root prison" was undeniable.
Now they all live in Crops in a Castle with their roots free to wiggle around and stretch into the soil.
This one has found the perfect home. Mostly sun, part shade, surrounded by Giant Ornamental Garlic and a sphere of lavender that travelled with us all the way from Provence when it was a little over a stem.
These two companions, along with some "perfect pruning" (mine) tunned her into the healthy plant she is today.
The aphids did obviously try to tackle her but some home made nettle spray did the trick.
Some hand picking the larva and beetles off the plants on a daily basis also determined the success of my pest protest!

As for the other Roses.
- a climber ended up in a waterlogged spot and succumbed before we had time to notice and save it.
- another lovely English rose lacked attention and underwent "pitiful pruning" (mine alas) and will hopefully recover with some love and care.
- a miniature rose is doing great this year right beside a Santolina and a Calendula that are, I discover hands on, a lot better than the garlic and lavender in keeping the aphids away. There is a bit of fungus on the rose, but not as bad as the previous years.
- last but not least, a rose that has been surviving rather than living in a pot for years is now looking lush and luxurious with its rich foliage and hopefully will bloom soon so I can share her with you all.

Remember to prune during the blooming period to keep the roses healthy. Remove 4/5 leaves below the bloom at an outward facing leaf. If you let your roses go by mid summer they will look like a stork trying to piggy back a rhinoceros.
Take care all....

P.S I'm back in Milan for the Long weekend. We celebrate our Republic on Tuesday here in Italy, or whatever is left of it!