Rosbrooke Collective

05/09/2026

My first freesia, and it smells amazing! Almost everything is getting battered by the winds here today! With all the planting and windbreak we've added, nothing stops our "very high" winds!
I'm sure I will get some nice sunny and still weekends soon... Right?

05/09/2026

Saturday morning's task...

I spent 3 hours washing my Dahlia clumps.

We had a blue sky this morning, but the strong winds kept any warmth away!
Back in autumn, I just dug them up, shook off excess soil, and popped them in open breathable bags.

But... They're looking really good!

Albeit only half way through, as that wind around my head for 3 hours was pretty brutal, and the pollen drove me crazy snuffling and sneezing!

I've mostly just washing away the soil, so I can see the eyes when I divide them in a few more days. Although some were packed with heavier soil, and some were just huge and gnarly looking from not being divided last season, so some needed a heavy hand and I got into them and pulled them apart 😂
Survival of the fittest around here! I'm not necessarily gentle, but not always ruthless either, just depends on the type, and on my mood, and how picky I want to be at the time!

The next step will be finding more eyes (see in the pics below) and dividing appropriately, treating cuts with sulphur, then once calloused over, I'll pot them for presprouting.

Would anybody like to see a post about "my" dividing process. Finding eyes etc? If so, let me know, so I can take lots of pictures when I divide next week.

29/08/2026

One week... And lots of growth already! Dahlia seeds typically take 1-2 weeks, or even 3 for germination. Having them inside in their personal little greenhouses has definitely helped with consistent temps.
Getting some light sunshine currently, as I don't want them to get too leggy.
You likely can't tell in the photo, but we can see the soil movement, so definitely more about to sprout up.

22/08/2026

Well that was fun! Did anyone manage sleep last night with this wind?
We didn't, (well the teenage boy probably did, he's still out to it 😂)
Thanks to our two cats, we also got up to a pile of dead sparrows, I wondered what the roaming house bunnies were sniffing... Two complete, one headless, but head was eventually discovered, thankfully!
Yep, definitely have Spring on her way!

22/08/2026

A Saturday evening well spent...
I sat at the dining table for once (much nicer and warmer than out in the shed, or noisy greenhouse, thanks to the wind!)
I purchased some mixed dahlia seeds from Maxwelton's Valley Blooms in autumn. Check out her page, as WOW, she grows and has bred, some absolute beauties, and is located in Wakefield.
I've decided to "play" this season.
The joy of dahlia seeds, is you never know what you are going to get!
I've also kept some of my own, although writing this, I've just remembered I might have more hiding out in the shed, 🤔. Numbers are going up already... 😆
Starting them inside this season, as more consistent temps than the greenhouse, and I won't have enough room on my 'one' heat pad!
Can't wait to see what I get growing! I doubt they'll all take, my seeds weren't the best... But... I don't really want close to 100 new plants, the hubby won't want me to have that many either 😂. While I'm planning on approximately 50 pots, any more than that would need a new garden bed, oops 😬 🤫 🤭

15/08/2026

When you w**d an area with lots of self seeded seedlings, and need to keep the chaos out!!!
I'm not in their good books 😂

13/08/2026

We have colour...

But a couple of very short tulips, definitely won't make for a gorgeous bouquet! (But hey, it's still winter!)

Most seasons here at Rosbrooke begin in Spring, mid to late September, fingers crossed. Mother nature and her weather dictates my actual start dates.

This season is going to look different though. Small business is hard, especially when you supply a want, not a need. When I began, my aim was being able to supply beautiful bouquets of locally grown bright flowers that brought joy, and I'm glad to say, that I have achieved it, and I'm proud of myself, and how much your support has grown this little idea.

But... The joy of growing, giving, and receiving doesn't support a business alone, especially with rising fuel, tax obligations, and general expenses that are required.

Rosbrooke will definitely still be having bouquets, but this may become an "order and collect", with more limited delivery options.

I am in the process of working out how things will look for this season, and do know, that I appreciate all the support I do receive, and I know I have many clients waiting for the season to once again commence, and we're looking forward to bringing those bright bundles of happiness to you, however that may be!

Emma & Co... ☺️

29/07/2026

Ranunculus, tulips, and poppies...
All growing very well, and been getting good regular seaw**d feeds!

My tulip varieties vary, and were all mixed up this season. Some will be early, some mid, and some flowering later in Spring. (Fingers crossed)

There is the odd pop of colour in the gardens, but I've been fairly harsh on w**ding, trimming, and tidying up... Trying to simplify what I grow this season. The hens appreciate this time of year 😂

Not sure when I will be kicking off my season yet, but usually it's around September, unless the weather plays havoc... Then it drags to October.

Will keep you updated as Spring approaches

Emma ☺️

16/06/2026

Pelorus RFC CLUB DAY 2026

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JAB & Seniors 13th June, Havelock Domain
Pelorus RFC
Waitohi Rugby Football Club - Seniors
Central Rugby Club - JAB
Moutere Rugby Club - JAB

Photo collection by Rosbrooke Collective

12/06/2026

Pelorus RFC club day...
Been chilled, but the sun is trying to break through.
Each year, we donate lollies to the kids, and take photos during club day.
Nice break from all the planting, mulching and digging I've been doing lately.