While North America enjoys the deep colors of autumn, Lynne Leslie is immersed in the vibrant blossoms of her garden in Wellington, New Zealand.
Here, the onset of summer is marked by the early blooms of roses, a delightful sight at this time of year.
Garden Updates and Observations
Today, we take a moment to explore Lynne’s flourishing garden, as she shares her latest updates and observations.
Having previously offered glimpses of her botanical haven, Lynne now highlights the stunning floral displays that signal the warmer days ahead.
This season, Lynne has been pleasantly surprised by an early burst of roses, which she attributes to a recent shift in her fertilization techniques.
By incorporating blood and bone meal into her monthly feeding schedule, alongside her usual rose care in September and late December, Lynne aims for a flourishing garden.
She prefers to use natural fertilizers, though the strong winds that accompany this season often pose a challenge, testing the resilience of her roses and spring blooms like Canterbury bells, lupins, and poppies.
Favorite Varieties and Challenges
One of Lynne’s greatest joys is nurturing plants from seeds and cuttings.
Among her cherished varieties is the soft pink double Shirley poppy, from which she hopes to harvest seeds for next year.
Despite the adverse weather, her vivid pink lupins continue to thrive, adding a splash of color to her garden.
Historically, New Zealand has a rich tradition of rose cultivation dating back to the early 1800s.
Because of both this legacy and strict import restrictions, many of the rose varieties found here are quite distinct from those commonly seen in North American gardens.
- Kaiteri Gold, a climbing rose that gracefully withstands the gusty winds.
- Green with Envy, which is celebrated for its continuous blooms and exceptional longevity when cut.
- Arrowtown, another climber known for beautifying fences with its lovely blossoms.
- Glamis Castle, a delicate light peach rose that captures the heart.
- Wish Come True, a personal treasure Lynne received directly from the grower.
Embracing the Gardening Community
To ensure her garden bursts with color throughout the seasons, Lynne enjoys densely planting perennials.
She also values the connections she makes with fellow gardening enthusiasts, who often visit her garden and inspire her further.
In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Lynne for sharing the beauty of her spring blooms with us.
We invite readers to join in the celebration of gardening by sending in their own photos and stories, showcasing the rich diversity of climates and growing seasons across the globe.
Source: Finegardening