Durbanville Rose Garden spans 3,5 hectares with an estimated 4 500 bushes of 500 rose cultivars. In preparation for full bloom season, normally from October to May annually, pruning is done by Recreation and Parks staff who manage the facility. This year, the department is hosting a full day workshop on Saturday 16 July to share their expertise with all interested community members.
July is the best month to prune roses in Cape Town. Pruning cuts away dead stalks and stimulates the plant to produce new rose buds; and it is the secret to producing beautifully full and healthy blossoms.
The skill is one that can be easily mastered once there is a basic understanding of the structure of a rose bush and the artistry of where to cut.
‘Most home growers have never had practical guidance in how to prune in order to have the desired effect when regrowth takes place. Although it is unlikely that rose bushes will die from poor pruning techniques, left unattended, a rose bush may produce smaller flowers with weak canes. The department will give ardent home growers the opportunity to learn this skill,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.
Any ardent gardeners wanting to learn more about rose care and pruning are welcome to attend the event at 10:00 on Saturday, 16 July. The event is free of charge. Three of the facilities day workers who have accumulated years of experience, will be working overtime on the weekend to train and assist visitors to improve their skills. Local nurseries have also been invited to give demonstrations and provide educational information on the best products for maintaining roses.
The event will mark the beginning of an open week from 16 to 22 July where community gardening groups and enthusiasts are encouraged to come and gain some practice by assisting with pruning anytime during that period.
Please note that volunteers will need to bring along their own good quality secateurs and gloves to participate in pruning activities.
When in full bloom, the exquisite display of multi-coloured roses in the Durbanville Rose Garden, is frequently the venue of choice for newlyweds to capture photographs on their wedding day.
WHAT: Rose care open day
WHERE: Durbanville Rose Garden, 33 Drakenstein Rd, Durbanville Hills, Cape Town, 7550
WHEN: 10:00 on Saturday, 16 July. The event is free of charge.
INFO: E Zitobile.Sikova@capetown.gov.za
See also Cape Town Green Map
