Weedkiller

Hi all.
I have just found out from our neighbour that the previous occupant of our house used weedkiller in copious amounts for over forty years. He never did any thing in the garden. This picture can testify to that statement.
http://gardenerscorner.co.uk/forum/threads/garden-at-new-house.44296/
The roses we planted seem to be struggling what is the best food for them? We dug some well rotted manure in when they were first planted but they are not doing very well.

 

Dave, looking back at your pictures.......if the previous owner used great amounts of weedkiller why are there so many weeds in the lawn? I'm wondering if your neighbour is sure that's what he saw. I don't think the 'weedkiller' would have any lasting effects on the ground, or your roses. Time is still early for them to put on growth and all plants have been held back this year by the winter just gone. A few of my roses look totally lifeless at the moment but I can see tiny buds appearing.

Give them a few weeks and then sprinkle some granular fertiliser around them and water in. Either one produced for roses, or blood, fish and bone. Feed them again in July. I'm sure they'll be fine.

 

Hi Sheal,
Thanks for the reply.She was very friendly with him and he told her what he was doing. The house was empty for quite a while so maybe thats why there were so many weeds. I have never used weed killer so not sure of it's lasting affects. Thanks for the advice I think I will get some of the latter blood,fish and bone. The roses have some sparse leaves but seem not to have grown at all since planting over a year ago.

 

Dave, I am also in Kent, and I can truthfully state that the roses (which I haven't planted, because I have never been a 'lover') are all doing quite well: that is despite the harsh Autumn/Winter we have had. Unlike Sheal, I have never treated my roses to anything more than 'the elements' (shame on me! )

It may assist other forum members if we may know: a) what variety of roses you are struggling with? b) which aspect do they currently face? c) how long ago you planted them (thus, how long ago they were 'nourished' with that manure), d) when/how have you pruned them?

Just as an aside: I read (many years ago, to be fair) that spent teabags are good for roses. Up until now, all my teabags have gone on the compost pile: but, this year, I'm going to save them for the limited amount of roses (of different types: climbing, bush and something else - floridunda? ) I have and to see if it makes any difference.

As a general observation: many plants 'appear' to not be doing 'well' - at this moment in time! But, the truth is, even I know these past couple of seasons are not the norm, but are extra-ordinary. Give your plants a little slack; they are desperately trying to work our what season they are in; if it is 'safe' to flourish and flower; could a hard/harsh frost kill their need to seed; and, most importantly: can we still procreate!!!???? Because, think about it, that is their most driving need!

 

I think weed killer has a lasting effect for about six weeks, so if the house was empty for some while I don't think this will be an issue now. The fact that he didn't do anything to the garden could have some effect and perhaps it would be an idea to get some compost dug into the soil to return nutrients and break up the soil. The roses are still young, see how they do this year. Don't forget to keep them watered during dry spells, they are hungry and thirsty plants!

 

Mum, with respect, Dave's roses have only been in a year, so they are still establishing themselves, yours I believe are mature which makes a difference. On the other hand although I had roses many years ago it was only last November when I planted my present ones and I don't expect them to put on a huge performance this year. I think they just need time.

 

Thanks for the replies. The problem I have is the Mrs has to do all the hard work because I am disabled. I cannot dig the garden over I have enough trouble standing up I do excel at falling over though lol. I will try and a take a pic tomorrow good excuse to get the camera out.

 

Hi Loofah,
My wife planted them to the mark on the stem where they were previously planted as per instructions.

Three of them are Black Baccara the other three were labeled as Black Baccara but when they bloomed they were red so they were mislabeled we have no idea what they are.

 

Yes pictures would be good Dave.

 

Fair comment; well presented