Muddy Boots Special Guest: Stefanie Williams from David Austin Roses

Muddy Boots: The Wonderful World of Roses

This week on Muddy Boots, we’re talking all things roses with Stephanie Williams, International Business Development Manager for David Austin Roses.

We explore what makes a great rose, how roses are bred, choosing roses for Australian conditions, soil health, feeding, watering, pruning, pests and disease — and why roses may be much easier to grow than you think.

In this episode

• What makes a great rose — beauty, fragrance, vigour and disease resistance
• How new roses are bred and why it can take 12 years to develop one
• Choosing the right rose for Australian conditions
• Soil preparation, compost, mulch and feeding
• Watering deeply and less frequently once established
• Growing roses in pots and containers
• How and when to prune shrub and climbing roses
• Deadheading and encouraging repeat flowering
• Managing black spot, powdery mildew and aphids naturally
• Why biodiversity and beneficial insects are so important
• Why a rose can be a great choice for beginner gardeners

Roses mentioned

• Constance Spry — Rosa 'Constance Spry'
• Graham Thomas — Rosa 'Graham Thomas'
• Lark Ascending — Rosa 'Lark Ascending'
• Olivia Rose Austin — Rosa 'Olivia Rose Austin'
• Emily Brontë — Rosa 'Emily Brontë'
• Queen of Sweden — Rosa 'Queen of Sweden'
• Tottering-by-Gently — Rosa 'Tottering-by-Gently'
• Princess Alexandra of Kent — Rosa 'Princess Alexandra of Kent'
• Gertrude Jekyll — Rosa 'Gertrude Jekyll'

Products & resources

• Clyde Compost — use code MUDDY15 for 15% off
• Neutrog Sudden Impact for Roses
• Seaweed products for supporting healthy plants
• Leaf mould and well-rotted horse manure/pony poo for mulching

Key takeaway

Choose the right rose for the right place, give it healthy soil, adequate water, good airflow and a little regular care — and you can enjoy beautiful blooms and fragrance for years.

Thanks to Stephanie for joining us from the UK — and to Clyde Compost for sponsoring Muddy Boots.

For more information, visit muddyboots.net.au.

Happy gardening!

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