BEWARE OF COWBOY ROSE EXPERTS!

It is cause for dismay that from time to time the rough and ready individual that know a little about care of roses – enough to be dangerous – is in charge of the spray programme for private rose gardens.  This rough and ready approach with heaps of misguided confidence leads them to experiment, cut corners and not follow accepted practices.

   Such is the case recently where a consulting rosarian has been called to help and advise on damaged rose bushes.  Whole gardens damaged where a cocktail of sprays has burnt out and defoliated in some cases beyond repair prize and mature roses that have been a joy over the years.  Many of these roses are no longer on the market and in one case the bushes of Iceberg provided a long hedge of white flowering blooms for some eight months.

   In this case of the garden with the Iceberg it was indeed necessary to cut all bushes back to the bud union.  Some are beginning to revive and shoot while others still lie dormant.

  So a plea to all who want help with their roses and a spray programmes in particular, approach your local rose society for a recommendation on reputable people to do the job.