Rose group newsletter spring 2021
Dear members,
I have just reread my first letter sent in 2020, and we are still in the same extraordinary situation, who would have thought that a year ago, nothing much would have changed! We are still in Le Confinement, and who knows for how much longer.
However, the weather is glorious, and the Spring flowers have been amazing, and been such a welcome boost to our low winter spirits, the roses are all budding up, and I personally I am extremely happy to report, that the double row of Electric fencing plus Rose guards, have kept the Chevreuil (deer) at bay, not like last year, when my poor roses were eaten down to the ground!
I am hoping to host a Rose group meeting here at Colombat, in May, maybe, just for 5 people, (1st come 1st serve basis) but will wait a little longer before announcing a date given the new regulations.
It will be strictly, masks on, outside, and social distancing, we will have had our 2nd Pfizer vaccination by then, so will feel a little more protected.
OPEN GARDENS 2021
I am also going to do the Open Garden Scheme again this year, to support ‘Children with Cancer’ but only by invited rendezvous, please contact me on
Up to 5 people, the garden is at its best in May and June, so please keep this in mind and support this very worthwhile cause. Go to:
and then just put in either 24400 or Mussidan to view our garden.
Wishing you all a very Joyeuses Pâques weekend.
Carelle
Order roses in spring
Meilland Richardier Rose group have a very good brochure that will be sent quarterly. To log on and subscribe go to
https://www.meillandrichardier.com/commande-catalogue/
It is a delightful way to look at some of the best of the rose species being developed.
June Rose Group meeting 2020
Dear all,
The IGC had the first Rose Group meeting of 2020 on Thursday 25th. It was a delightful afternoon held at Jane Hickey’s beautiful garden, full of roses and other interesting plants. There were seven members and we could sit outside with a delicious tea of scones and strawberry jam and cream; the time flew by as we discussed our various roses.
Liz McGlynn brought three beautiful roses to show, Fruit Sorbet, Inès Sastre climber, and Golden Celebration.
Jane Hickey has Long John Silver over an archway, plus Crimson Shower and the Generous Gardener Rose, plus very many more.
Jaki Moorhouse bought Jacqueline du Pre which is such a striking single rose, plus an unknown pink shrub rose.
Nevelee Corry brought Mocha Rosa, an unusual scented rose with a lovely dusky colour and Jardin de Granville a white rose with rose pink centre.
My own contributions were two climbers that flower throughout summer the heavily scented Etoile de Hollande and Pink Purpétue.
Joy Collett sent a photo of her Burgundy Ice which is a very deep colour.
I hope we can have another get-together as this year has been exceptional for roses in all our gardens.
Happy growing
Carelle Sherwood
APRIL 2020 NEWSLETTER
Dear Rose Group Members,
Just to wish you all a Very Happy Easter during the lock down. I hope that you are all well.
I am sure like me, that you have been really enjoying your gardens in this extraordinary situation, and in the glorious weather that we have had these last weeks. I just feel that we are so lucky to live in this lovely part of France. It is so wonderful to go out into the garden every day and see what has sprung in to life.
I was hoping to put more photos of roses up to show, but although there are many buds emerging, the only one out at the moment is the beautifully fragrant climbing rose “ Etoile de Hollande” . See my photo here.
This year I have put deer prevention guards around all my roses, and it seems to be working!
I have also experimented with the “Sissinghurst pruning method” https://www.sarahraven.com/articles/pruning-roses-the-sissinghurst-method.htm
which also is producing good results.
Sadly, it looks unlikely that we shall be able to meet-up for the first Rose group meeting on the 21st April, but fingers crossed for later on in May.
If you have any photographs of your roses please send them to me. (NB Rose Group members have my address) otherwise please use igcnewsinfo@gmail.com.
Don’t forget to water your new first year roses every day in this extremely dry spell !
Best regards, Carelle
*** UPDATE ***
Jane Hickey has had, via Collisimo post, some late bare root very healthy roses delivered from Roseraie Ducher. https://roseraie-ducher.com/en/
She was pleased because they even sent her a potted one to replace a variety that was not available, plus an extra bare root of another just in case of failure! If interested they are still sending out potted stock. It’s a good very good website with listed sections for dry gardens, full sun garden etc.
