Earth Day: Eco-Friendly Gardening with Roses

Earth Day: Eco-Friendly Gardening with Roses

At April & Ashley, we’re committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. And with Earth Day just around the corner, what better time than to share our eco-friendly rose gardening practices?  

Choose Disease-Resistant Roses Varieties

Careful selection of disease-resistant rose varieties can greatly reduce the risk of common fungal infections in your garden – such as blackspot and powdery mildew. Thanks to years of innovative development by rose breeders, the availability of disease-resistant rose varieties is greater than ever.  
  
Check out our Guide to Hardiness Zones to get insight on roses that do particularly well in your area and will be most resilient in your garden.

Use Organic Fertilizers 


Natural fertilizers contribute to the health of your soil and the overall wellbeing of your roses. The key is to use less chemicals and more organic matter. Because synthetic fertilizer can dry out the soil and lead to nutrient depletion, consider using organic soil amendments such as: 

  • Compost 

  • Well-aged manure 

  • Alfalfa 

  • Bone meal 

  • Cottonseed meal  

Implement Organic Pest Control Options

It’s highly likely you’ll come across little critters making themselves at home on the buds and foliage of your roses. While your first instinct may be to eliminate them completely, some of them can actually be beneficial to your roses. That’s why pest management is better than complete eradication.  

Natural solutions will repel those unwanted pests – such as aphids and mites – without harming the beneficial insects – such as ladybugs and pollinators. A few options worth exploring for effective yet safe pest management are: 

  • Neem oil 

  • Insecticidal soap 

  • Baking soda spray 

  • Mint compost 

Another way to naturally control pests in your garden is to rotate your rose beds. This will shake up the environment a bit and disturb any pests or diseases that may have been accumulating beneath the surface.  

Conserve Water 

Water is the most valuable resource on the planet – and we’re always striving to keep our roses with less of it. Here are our top tips for eco-friendly watering: 

  • Water in the early morning. This allows time for the roots to dry throughout the day and reduces the risk of fungal infection.  

  • Water deeply, but infrequently. This will hydrate your roses, but ensure the roots don’t get soggy.  

  • Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch – keeping the weeds out and moisture in. Mulch will also gradually decompose – providing the soil with additional organic matter. 

  • Consider installing a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses. These sustainable methods deliver water slowly, evenly, and deeply to your roses – ensuring nothing is wasted.  

  • Consider rainwater harvesting – collecting and storing rainwater that can be used to water your roses. One simple way to harvest rainwater is to place a barrel beneath the downspouts on your house to collect runoff from your roof.  

Promote Biodiversity with Companion Planting

While roses are our bread and butter, we appreciate the many benefits that other species of plants can bring to the garden. Companion planting attracts beneficial insects, repels harmful ones, and adds form and variety to the landscape.  
 
Key points to keep in mind when companion planting are: 

  • Plant at least a foot away from your roses to avoid competition. 

  • Make sure your companion plants require the same conditions as your roses – such as full sunlight and plenty of water. 

  • Avoid planting invasive species that will take over your garden. 

 There are countless options of worthy companions for your roses, but here are just a few: 

  • Rosemary 

  • Lavender 

  • Sage 

  • Mint (only in containers, as it is invasive) 

Not only can you use these herbs in your kitchen, but they’re also great for deterring pests with their highly-scented leaves.  

Practice Sustainable Garden Habits 

There are countless ways to practice sustainable gardening habits that not only reduce waste, but promote a healthy environment for your roses. Here are a few ways you can make a difference not only in your own household, but the planet as a whole: 

  • Create a compost pile: Mix green material (such as fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds) with brown material (such as cardboard, dry leaves, and straw). The compost will decompose over time – enriching the soil.  

  • Recycle and reuse garden materials: Don’t throw away your old plastic pots and containers! Save them for all your future gardening endeavors. 

  • Make your own supports: Use sticks in your yard or repurposed pipes to make trellises, stakes, and obelisks.

It’s never too late to make a change. In honor of Earth Day this year, visit April & Ashley to browse our selection of premium rose bushes, and join us in our commitment to contributing to a healthier, happier planet by implementing sustainable rose gardening practices. 

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