FLB - ROSES (Photos) a group of flowered roses give a mass of colour over a long period of time. FLB roses range in height from 1/2 metre to more than 1 metre high. The latter being suited for hedges or even borders , plant approximately 1/2 to 1 metre apart.

CLB - ROSES (Photos) and Rambling Roses, some are very thorny, grow vigorously and are ideal for pillars, pergolas and arches giving a great mass of colour.

Your imagination can create great artistry in your garden and it only has to please your eye but if it pleases other it's an added bonus. Allow a few years for the plants to establish themselves.

Plant approximately 2 to 5 metres apart.

All roses require an open sunny well drained position to grow to their full beauty, however in shaded areas roses grow quiet well but you may have a little more trouble with fungus, so try to plant roses with at least a bit of sun on the foliage. Also plant where the roses can be protected from too much wind so as to grow beautiful blooms, however remember that roses are much better planted where the breeze can flow through to help the roses from getting mildew in the warmer areas of Tasmania.

Roses like medium to heavy loamy soils and certainly roses don't mind clay underneath the soil. If your soil is sandy or light add something to make it heavier as some people have difficulty in growing roses in sandy soil, but there is always exception to the rule. Mulching is advisable with all types of soil as it eliminates so many problems, such as less watering and weeding also retains better average soil temperature. Peas straw, pine bark, old horse manure and cow manure. Scoria can absorb heat making the root system too warm.

Ideally the planting time is 'Winter' when the roses are bare rooted from the wholesale nursery. Trends has changed to a degree with wholesale nurseries in some areas selling roses in pots of various sizes which enables planting roses anytime of year a wonderful idea. Giving a 'Live Gift' for Christmas, Birthday's, Mother's Day or any special occasion is also a practical gift for the avid gardener.

The bed where the roses are going to be planted should be dug over several times prior to planting, compost and peat moss can be helpful with some planting, usually it's only necessary to dig the hole and plant. It's not a good idea to use any artifical manures at initial planting time, but the addition of old well rotted animal manures and blood and bone (only small amounts) well dug in with the soil is benificial. Dig a hole sufficiently large enough to take the roots which should be placed downwards and outwards over a small mound on the bottom of the hole, remember to leave the graft out of the soil. Cover with your dirt and water.

When it's spring time in Tasmania and daylight saving has been in full swing I notice 'Aphids' in great masses on the very juicy bits and near the buds of the roses so out comes my defence equipment. You can do your bit for the enviroment by not spraying or at least trying not to but sometimes spraying is the only answer - however you tried.

Two fungal problems, some years worse than others. Black spot presents as little black dots on the leaves of the roses and if not treated the leaves just fall off. Remove the leaves from the ground and to help alleviate this problem a preventatvie program of spraying is necessay beginning at pruning time. Mildew manifests itself as appearing like white powder on the leaves and buds and is usually helped along by the weather, being cooler nights and humid days.