Spring Garden Update: Planting Roses, Weeding After Rain & My Favorite Mulch Mix

After a stretch of dry weather, we finally got the soaking rain the garden’s been craving—and with it, a burst of new energy (and yes, weeds). This week, I’ve been playing catch-up in the best kind of way: planting new roses, pulling weeds while the soil is soft, and feeding the beds with a mulching mix I swear by.

Spring Garden Tasks After the Rain

The recent rainfall softened the soil, making it the perfect time for essential spring garden tasks. I’ve been working through each bed, tackling the weeds that took advantage of the moisture and prepping the ground for some new additions. The birds seem to be just as excited—robins and finches have been hopping along beside me, digging for snacks and enjoying the newly turned soil.

Planting New Roses from the Nursery

I couldn’t resist picking up a few more roses at the nursery—there’s always room for just one (or three) more, right? I tucked them into spots I’d been saving, imagining their future blooms filling the space with color and fragrance. There's something extra rewarding about planting roses right after a rainstorm: the soil is welcoming, and the roots settle in beautifully. I’m especially excited about a buttery yellow climber that I’ve paired with a soft pink shrub rose for a romantic palette near the fence line.

Weeding While the Soil Is Soft

Weeds are inevitable after a good rain, but the silver lining is how easy they are to pull now. I’ve been working my way through the garden, clearing space and giving my perennials and roses the room—and nutrients—they deserve. It’s oddly satisfying work, especially with a warm cup of tea waiting on the porch afterward.

My Go-To Spring Mulch Mix for Flower Beds

Once the beds are cleared, I’m layering in my favorite spring mulch mix. It’s a blend of mushroom compost, mint compost, alfalfa pellets, and Epsom salt. This combo improves soil health, boosts beneficial microbes, and provides nutrients that roses and perennials love. The mint helps deter pests, the alfalfa adds nitrogen, and the Epsom salt gives roses that extra magnesium they crave.

With the new roses tucked in, the weeds out, and the beds mulched, the garden feels grounded and full of promise. off to a strong start.