As a little girl, I can still vividly remember spending sunny afternoons in my grandmother’s garden. Among the many flowers that graced her yard, the iceberg roses stood out the most. She cared for them with such devotion and each bloom was a testament to her gentle touch and loving nature. The soft white petals always seemed to sparkle in the sunlight and to this day, their fragrance brings back memories of those precious moments with her.
Now, as an adult I have my own iceberg roses flourishing in my garden, a beautiful reminder of my grandmother and the lessons she taught me about patience, love and the art of gardening. When I see these delicate white roses bloom, I’m transported back to her garden.
How I Care for My Iceberg Roses
Caring for iceberg roses is both a homage to my grandmother and a personal joy. While roses can sometimes have a reputation for being high maintenance, I’ve found that with the right care, they thrive beautifully. Here’s what I do to keep mine healthy and vibrant:
Pruning for Health and Shape
An essential task when it comes to roses is pruning. Prune the iceberg roses regularly, done usually in late winter or early spring before the new growth. Pruning helps encourage more blooms, keeps the plant healthy and shapes the bush into a more appealing form. Always make sure to cut back dead or damaged stems leaving room for fresh growth and blooms. Read more rose pruning tips here.
Reminiscing: While pruning, my grandmother had a sweet ritual – she would cut a few of the most beautiful iceberg blooms and place them in a little vase next to my bed. She would always attach a piece of paper with a big heart drawn on it, a small loving gesture that made me feel so special. To this day, I often cut a few roses and bring them inside, their soft fragrance filling the room, reminding me of those tender moments we shared.
Mulching for Moisture and Weed Control
An important step is to mulch the base of the roses. Mulching is one of those gardening secrets that makes a world of difference but often overlooked. It helps retain moisture, especially during those hot summer months and keeps weeds at bay. I use an organic mulch, like bark chips or compost, spread around the base of the plant. This not only nourishes the soil but also creates a neat, tidy appearance in the garden.
Pest Control with Care for Iceberg Roses
When it comes to pests, roses can be a little more vulnerable, but iceberg roses are quite resilient. I keep an eye out for common pests like aphids and whiteflies. My approach to pest control is gentle—I prefer to use organic pesticides or homemade remedies, like a mild soapy water solution, to keep the unwanted bugs at bay.
I spray early in the morning or late in the evening when the weather is cooler, and it doesn’t disturb the blooms as much. My grandmother used to say that “a garden thrives when you treat it with kindness,” and that’s something I’ve taken to heart.
Watering for Deep Roots
Like all roses, iceberg roses appreciate regular watering. I water mine well, usually two to three times a week, depending on the season. It’s important to water at the base of the plant, avoiding the foliage, as wet leaves can encourage diseases like black spot. I make sure to give the roses enough time to dry out between waterings, which helps them develop deep, strong roots.
Feeding for Abundant Blooms
Roses are heavy feeders, and to keep them blooming beautifully throughout the season, I feed them with an organic fertilizer that I bought from Indigo Nursery in Midrand. The staff at Indigo Nursery are always so friendly and helpful, offering great advice on everything I need to keep my iceberg roses healthy and happy. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend visiting them for all your gardening needs—they have a wide range of organic products and are always ready to assist with any questions you may have.
A Living Legacy in My Garden
My iceberg roses are more than just beautiful additions to my garden—they are living reminders of my grandmother’s love for her garden and for me. Every time I prune a stem or water the soil, I feel connected to her and the care she put into her own roses. It’s as if I’m carrying on a tradition, one that will hopefully be passed down again someday.
Gardening has a way of grounding us in the present while keeping us connected to the past. For me, the iceberg roses in my garden will always remind me of warm days in my grandmother’s garden, her nurturing hands, and the endless beauty of those delicate blooms. And every time I bring a few of those roses into my home, I smile, remembering how my grandmother would leave a vase of them by my bedside, along with a heartwarming note, making me feel so loved.
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