The rose gardens at the Ashburton Domain are getting a makeover and moving to a new management model that will eliminate the need for regular spraying of fungicides and pesticides.

Staff say the “no-spray” result will be better for the environment and they’re happy to share their tips for healthy roses with the community.

All the roses were removed last week and 40cm of soil dug out and replaced with a blend of compost and mulch, and Trichoderma, which is a soil-borne friendly fungi.

Infrastructure and Open Spaces Group Manager Neil McCann said some of the older, healthy roses would be replanted along with new roses.

“The philosophy is that a healthy soil means healthier plants and roses in high health can naturally combat the general pests and diseases which usually afflict them.

“It will be better for the environment and for staff, who won’t have to spray them with chemicals. From a garden management perspective, it may require the annual culling of non-performers and we’ll weed out those varieties that are naturally weak or display poor vigour and are susceptible to problems."

The makeover is being done by staff and contractors and should take about a month. The work zone will be cordoned off during that time.

The in-bed irrigation system will also be reinstated, and the grass paths relevelled and resown.

Mr McCann said the project would cost about $11,000 and was work detailed in the domain’s asset management plan and in Council’s Long Term Plan 2024-34.

“The rose gardens have always been a special place for visitors to the domain, and this new high health approach will be great for the roses themselves. Come spring, it should be a place of colour and beauty.

“We know the gardens are enjoyed by the community so we encourage people to stop by and have a look at the work as it progresses over the next few weeks.”