More early flowering October Roses.

The Banksias, of course, are in full flight...this is a big mound of the Yellow Banksia, and next to it is a much younger plant of the White version which is only just beginning to poke its head out of the mass of yellow. We used to have a sensational speciman of white Banksia rose that was placed "temporarily" in a big pot near our back door when we moved into 'Eurimbla' in 1988...I say "used to" because 20 years later it finally had to be chainsawed down and grubbed out after the roots broke through the pot and the branches- as thick as an arm- ripped up the guttering and destroyed the roof of our laundry! I am still in mourning over its loss, and compensate by bringing home little white Banskias whenever I find them in nurseries, and hiding them in the garden at the base of trees.

Above: Those of you who are familiar with this blog will know of the deep affection that I harbour towards my numerous understock roses (with the exception of my arch-nemesis, Dr. Huey). The rose pictured above and below is the lovely Rosa Indica Major, which gives a massive display every year that begins in October and extends through into November. I am always amazed at how many gardens have specimens of Indica Major blooming their pretty heads off at this time of the year, presumably with no idea that their lovely rose once started life as a lowly understock! There is no scent to speak of, but the flowers are a lovely shade of pink that fade to almost white, and being an understock it is extremely tolerant of most conditions. Powdery mildew can be a bit of a problem, but I have never found the need to take action for this.