Roses are very delicate and time-consuming but oh so well worth the effort as their beauty is unmatched. Gardeners take special pride in their rose beds and guard their prize roses well.

Roses need constant attention but reward the gardener by the sweet fragrance and beauty that is a testimony to the skill and care of the gardener.

Roses thrive in the open, well-ventilated areas of your garden. Make sure there is not too much shade. Your roses should enjoy at least 3/4 of the daytime in sunlight. Roses grown in the shade become sickly fast.

Roses require adequate feeding and proper pruning. They should be watered when they become dry and given organic feeds such as bonemeal or mulches that are well rotted.

The gardener needs to be aware of the enemies of the rose which are: pests that include the aphid, blackspot and mildew, and greenfly.

March is the last chance to plant bare root or pre-packed roses.

After pruning burn the cuttings as you do not want to use rose material in compost due to possible pests.

Feed your roses starting in March with an organic fertilizer made for roses or with osmocote. Fertilizer should be placed around the root zone of the bushes and not just near the stem.

After feeding the roses, mulch with organic materials. Spray now to prevent greenfly. You can use permethrin.

Pay attention to weeds and get rid of them pronto.

In May the roses should be growing quite well. This is the month when pests may be putting in an appearance. Keep on top of the pest problem by using organic insecticide and fungicide combination to rid the roses of aphids, blackspot, mildew, and other pests.

Roses should start to bloom in June. Keep your rose bushes well watered.

Watch out for mildew in June and treat promptly.

Stop feeding in August but continue to watch for mildew and treat right away.

September finds the gardener deadheading his roses and pruning any ramblers or climbers. You may need to spray weekly for blackspot or mildew at this time.

Autumn is the time to rake leaves around your rose bushes and snip-faded flowers.

In the cooler season of autumn, the gardener is found cutting back the rose bush to prevent wind rock and damage to the roots. If you live in a very cold climate you can mulch around the root zone or put straw around the bush.

December is the month for rose gardeners to take a break and enjoy the holidays!