As rose season reaches its peak across Rockland County, gardening experts at Down to Earth Living are sharing tips to help residents grow healthier, more vibrant roses while creating landscapes that attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators.
According to the gardening center, roses thrive when planted in locations that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day and have well-drained soil. Regular deep watering, especially during hot and dry weather, encourages strong root growth, while watering at the base of the plant can help reduce the risk of fungal diseases common during humid Rockland County summers.
Experts recommend fertilizing roses every four to six weeks during the growing season, pruning dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy growth, and monitoring plants for common pests and diseases such as aphids, spider mites, black spot, and powdery mildew. Applying mulch around rose bushes can also help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
In addition to maintaining roses, Down to Earth Living is encouraging Rockland County gardeners to incorporate flowers that attract pollinators and hummingbirds. Popular choices include Bee Balm (Monarda), Cardinal Flower, Honeysuckle, Lantana, Coral Bells, Columbine, and Salvia. These nectar-rich plants provide food for ruby-throated hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees while adding color and diversity to gardens.
“Roses can be challenging, but many modern varieties are easier to maintain and more disease-resistant,” said Stuart Leventhal, owner of Down to Earth Living. “With the right balance of sunlight, water, nutrients, and care, roses can provide months of color and fragrance. Pairing them with hummingbird-friendly flowers creates a vibrant garden filled with continuous blooms and thriving wildlife.”
Gardeners throughout Rockland County and the Hudson Valley are also reminded that proper plant spacing and watering directly at the base of plants can help reduce humidity-related diseases and keep roses looking their best throughout the growing season.
