Garsons Rose Propagation

During the last few months we have benefited hugely from the expert help given by our local garden centre, Garsons Garden Centre. On this visit it was our community volunteers who were lucky to be given expert help on how to take hardwood cuttings from our roses. The session was attended by Tommy and Callum of Garsons in Titchfield.

Callum is their expert on roses and is responsible for the entire rose stock including ordering at Garsons. There is not much Callum cannot advise on from the right rose for the right place to how to care for your roses. When ordering roses there are many different factors to consider: colour, fragrance, what will stand up to pest and diseases and what new lines may catch the eye of the customers.

Whilst Callum was here he demonstrated how to take hardwood cuttings from our roses. We all took several cuttings using roses we have had growing in the grounds for around 5 years.  All we needed to use were pots, compost, secateurs and hormone rooting powder. It was very much a new experience for many of us and as you may see from the picture after just 3 weeks the outcome was extremely positive!

While he was working, we asked Callum a few questions:

Q  Who are your main suppliers of roses at Garsons?

A  David Austin and Henry Street.  Both have a great reputation for healthy and strong stock.

Q  When feeding your roses what fertilizer would you recommend?

A   A good tomato feed always gives good results.

Q  What rose would you say has the best fragrance?
 

A  Gertrude Jekyll.

Q  If a customer was looking for a rose that was tolerant to shade what would be your top choice?

A  Madame Alfred Carriere.