The photo below, of the same soil profile (in a garden bed about 25 metres away from Minky's 'dig') shows the difference the mulch makes, nevertheless the soil is drying out fast.
Today we have a hot wind, a cool change is coming through later (with wind too) but chances of rain are slim.Autumn can be challenging here; the roses are growing happily & want to continue to bloom, however with very low humidity, even the light daytime breezes remove a considerable amount of moisture from the plants. The night-time winds & breezes that we don't always hear, and therefore don't notice, worry me too.
If it stays dry, and we get early frosts, the drying out will be significantly increased. Forecasts are mixed, but the short term expectations (until mid April) aren't looking good. So - everything is now getting a good autumn drink & mulch top-up (where needed) to get them through until the June rains.
The frost levels here aren't a problem for the roses - except if the ground is too dry and the plants are very young - they can be knocked back a bit - I found that in winter 2006 - one of the hardest winters here in 20 years apparently. (you can see typical frost levels in 'The Teas - Winter Images' post.)
Fingers crossed, that those forecasters who are suggesting good rains soon, are indeed on the money ...
