OUR roses had a great year in 2022 and flowered almost right through the winter – a ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ flowering three times, the last in November.
This week I’ve been giving them some late-winter love, getting them ready for when they start to grow again in spring, although some new growth buds are already starting to swell.
They don’t need much, just some simple care to tide them over until the growing season starts properly.
Cut back the stems of shrub roses by a third to protect them from late winter storms, then weed around them.
While you are busy in the soil, collect and dispose of fallen leaves that show signs of black spot. This is a serious but very common fungal disease that weakens roses and can completely defoliate them in extreme cases.
It appears in spring, but persists as long as affected leaves remain on the plants. Symptoms include black leaf blotches that spread and turn yellow, before the leaves drop.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters