The Rose Catalogue

The Rose Paddocks

Soho Rose Farm's paddocks are located in Drysdale and St. Leonards, Victoria, situated amongst vineyards, olive groves and fresh produce growers for which the Bellarine is now becoming famous.

We have well drained brown loamy topsoil which is ideal for roses. The roses all get mulched not long after the winter prune which helps with weed control but predominantly saves water and invigorates the plants over the summer growing season. We have planted our roses 1 metre apart in long rows, so that they get plenty of air circulation and space to thrive. (And the Bellarine Peninsula certainly gets plenty of air circulation.! )

We have an IPM (Integrated Pest Management) advisor to assist in the control of pests. We are using the smallest volume and least toxic chemicals available on the market. These chemicals are very target specific, which allows good bugs to proliferate to assist in nature's way and overall allows the plants to have a longer, stronger bloom.

At the moment we have ladybirds and earthworms galore, which is very satisfying! Over the long term we hope to entirely eliminate spraying which obviously is not only good for us but good for the environment as well.

 Established plantings at the                        The first year's hybrid tea plantings

Downside Farm.                                          overlooking Swan Bay.

 The 2007 planting in the new paddock.        The new planting takes colour.