Just in time for Mother’s Day - a picture gallery of the roses Wegman’s generally has available. Just click on Rose Gallery in side bar to enter the Gallery. Then select the roses you would like to view by their name, i.e., view all the ‘J’s’ to view the Julia Child rose. You’ll almost be able to smell the fragrance!

The availability of all of our roses varies almost daily during the busy spring season. Please call ahead to find out the availability of a specific rose or come in and see the other varieties available in that color. We are happy to check if we can special order a specific rose from one of our suppliers.

Roses, orchids, bromeliads, azalea and other indoor plants are just a few ideas for Mom. We are happy to custom plant an indoor “European Garden” with a few days notice. We have fountains, statuary and garden furniture to dress up the perfect garden that special lady has worked hard to plant and groom. If you can’t decide on the perfect gift Wegman Gift Cards are always just right.

First, a note on summer planting—there are those that think rose planting season is over by now. After all, it’s past the first of May; aren’t they supposed tobe planted in cold weather at bareroot season? Nonsense. You can plant roses at any time.

Here are a few tips for hot weather planting: Always make sure the rose is well watered before planting; never plant (or fertilize) a dry or wilted plant. Provide lots of water after planting. It’s a good idea to trim one-quarter to one-third of the top growth so the roots don’t have to work so hard. Make the hole 2 to 3 times as wide as the container and as deep as the soil in the can. Mix one-third amendments (Gold Rush or Bumper Crop) with the native soil and use as a backfill for the rose. Excess material is used to make a berm around the plant to help hold water.

Once the roses are planted, these simple tips on care can help you keep your roses happy and healthy.

Caring for Your Roses
Remember that proper care will help revent the plants from becoming stressed and thus reduce the chance for problems developing.

1. A location with 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day
2. Rich moist soil
3. Regular, monthly feeding from March to September

The Most Common Problems Are:

• Aphids—tiny green insects found on the tips of new growth and buds. Flush off with a blast of early morning water or spray with Nature’s Pest Fighter or Orthenex.
• Bristly rose slug-this larva of the sawfly is found on the underside of the leaves. It eats leaf tissue, leaving a lace effect. It will do a lot of damage if ignores. Spray with Nature’s Pest Fighter or Orthenex.
• Thrips—tiny insects found on the inside of flowers, thrips cause distored and stunted blossoms. They usually show up by the mid-to-end of summer in warm weather. Spray with Orthenex.
• Powdery mildew—a fungal disease that looks like white dust on the leaves and at the base of flower buds. Spray with Orthenex.
• Rust—a fungal disease that looks like orange powder on the backs of the leaves. Later turns black and can cause leaves to drop. Spray with Orthenex. Some roses are more susceptible to mildew and rust.

There is a wealth of information available on rose care. Our website has a number of articles you can download and print. By following the simple basics discussed here, even the beginning gardener should be able to enjoy roses. Just remember—lots of sunshine, lots of water and regular fertilizing.

A Quick Overview of Modern Roses

• Hybrid Teas—4 to 6 feet tall, usually with one fairly large blossom (3-5 inches) on the end of each new cane. Example—Olympiad and Double Delight
• Floribunda or Landscape Roses—2 ½ to 4 feet tall with a cluster of blossoms (each 2-4 inches) on the end of each new cane. Example—French Lace and Julia Child
• Grandiflora—taller than Hybrid Teas with cluster of blossoms. Example—Queen Elizabeth
• Polyantha—compact free flowering plants on compact bushes similar but wilder than Floribunda. Example—Margo Koster and China Doll
• Miniatures—small leaves and flowers. Usually 1-2 feet tall, with flower less than 2 inches in diameter.
• Climbers—a mixed group with long arching canes (8-29 feet) and flowers like Hybrid Teas or Floribundas. Canes need support. Examples—Blaze and Sally Holmes.
• Tree Roses—Hybrid tea or Floribunda or miniature roses grafted onto a 24, 48 or 60 inch long single stem.

This week we would like to introduce Erhard Wegman, our Bedding Manager. Erhard began helping out at the Nursery when he was 10.

Hobbies: Cooking, Aikido, Cycling and Reading

Favorite Food: Sushi

Favorite Plant or flower: Tomatoes

Favorite garden center product: Felco Scissors

Erhard’s message to you, “Gardening is like cooking, it’s an acquired skill. Leave room for mistakes, it’s how you learn.”