Small Spaces perfect for roses!

What is the saying? When in Rome...

I have always dreamed of being able to plant roses and peonies but in Arizona, I didn't have shade and the once it hit 110+, I lost them every summer.  

Now that I live in pretty much the garden of eden and love spending time outdoors, my gardening dream is happening! 

I am a novice at gardening so if I can do it , anyone can do it.  My spaces are limited but it is enough to start a small patio garden. I started small and so far, it has been such a rewarding experience to watch my plants grow and thrive!

I look forward to a little peace in the morning before I start my day or in the evenings to take a moment to inspect the leaves and soil for any pests.  I use either some mild soap or a neem oil blend and food grade diatomaceous earth to get rid of pesky aphids.  

Here are a few tips I have learned along the way:  

• Plan out your garden.  Even though my spaces are small, it’s important to consider the big picture and create a little diagram.  Include the direction will the plants face, how many hours of sunlight/shade will it get during the day.  Roses need lots of sun so I planted them in the sunnier spots and my herbs and onions in the shady parts of my planter boxes.  I made sure to choose plants that could grow well in my planter boxes and pots and did not require too much room to spread out.  

• Have good drainage for your planter box and pots and set up an automatic drip system if you can.  It will save your plants if you are away for more than a couple of days (if it doesn't rain often) and save you time.  

• Use quality soil and fertilizer.  Since my plants are all in planters and pots, it is important that they have good soil and fertilizer to grow. I made sure to use high-quality soil and added a slow-release fertilizer to ensure my plants are getting the nutrients they need.

• Choose the right plants and colors you want for your space.  I picked 3 different kinds of roses. I opted for herbs like basil and thyme, as well as small vegetables like green onions that I use weekly.  There are so many choices when you go to your local garden shop, be mindful of what you will actually use and enjoy.  Remember, you will also be maintaining and pruning your plants and you don't want one plant, like mint, to take over your entire garden.  I love mint for fresh summer teas but will probably plant it in a separate pot.

• Make use of vertical space. I quickly realized that I could maximize my space by planting my tall roses towards the back and adding a couple of smaller slow-spreading flowering ground below.  You can research any plant to see how tall it will get to plant your focal points and create the aesthetic you want.

• Maintain your garden by taking a moment prune, and inspect the leaves and soil for any pests.  I use either some mild soap or a neem oil blend and food grade diatomaceous earth to get rid of pesky aphids.  If the soil is too wet, water less, too dry water more.  In the summer you will water more frequently if it doesn't rain.  Here is a guide (I am working on).

The most important thing is to enjoy and make it fun!  My favorite part of the day is making a snack and taking a tea break on my patio.  I LOVE smelling my roses and peonies!

Stay Gold,

Suzanne