What should I add to a flower bed to prepare for a cottage garden that already has rose bushes?

[JaniceH]

I have a garden bed in full sun that has some old rose bushes that I cut back (and wonder if I have killed them)

I would like to plant perennials with the roses, but think I should build up the soil first.  What should I add to the bed and can I plant up during summer?

Thanks.

Jan

PS. Sorry I can't upload my photo

[EricL]

Hello @JaniceH 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your roses and adding perennials to your garden.

Cutting back rose bushes can sometimes make them look a bit bare or even unhealthy, but roses are resilient and often bounce back with proper care. If you’ve pruned them correctly and they were healthy to begin with, they should recover. Look for signs of new growth in the coming weeks as an indicator of their revival.

For planting perennials with your roses, improving the soil is a great idea, especially if it's been depleted over time. To build up the soil, you can add organic matter like well-rotted compost or aged manure, which you can find at the store. A good example is Richgro Black Marvel Garden Soil Improver. This will help improve soil structure, provide nutrients, and retain moisture, all of which are beneficial for both roses and perennials. You might also consider adding a balanced, slow-release fertilizer tailored for flowering plants to ensure they have a steady supply of nutrients throughout the growing season.

As for planting in summer, it’s possible but requires extra care. Summer heat can stress new plants, so choose a cooler time of day, like early morning or late afternoon, to do your planting. Make sure to water the plants well immediately after planting and keep them consistently watered as they establish. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Look for an organic mulch like sugar cane or lucerne mulch, also available at Bunnings, which will break down and further enrich your soil.

By enhancing your soil and carefully timing your planting, you can successfully establish perennials in your garden bed, complementing your roses beautifully.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric