@Lizzie27 ..I suspect they are modern repeat flowering roses, as most people have those, so pruning them down like that will probably do them a lot of good Lizzie... not a problem, I would say..
Thanks @Marlorena, that's good to know, I was going to go for it in any event. They look as if they haven't been pruned for a long time. I suspect some may be Austins. There's a big rambler type on a high wall which I think it's best left for the time being. I'll try to post before and after pics tomorrow!
@peteS - very prickly! My Rhapsody in Blue has gone like that, very similar pattern of large and small thorns.Â
I find the roses like that aren’t as deadly when it comes to working with them though - when they’re obviously thorny all over you’re extra careful.
I get caught by the ones that appear smooth and then have a nasty, lone, hidden thorn, as they lull you into a false sense of security by looking harmless.Â
Where are all the sparrows and ladybirds?! I’ve got millions of aphids in the garden, every rose is smothered. They don’t normally bother me but the number this year is insane. It’s the closest I’ve ever felt to wanting to spray. I won’t. But they’ve completely wrecked Lady of the Lake. It looks like she’s going to just sulk for the rest of the year and then hopefully start growing again next. They did this to my apple tree two years ago. I hope I’m wrong and she’s going to start growing again soon...but it looks like I’m going to lose an entire year’s growth.
It’s very disappointing to not have the natural predators visiting this year. I can see them around, they’re just not coming into the garden.
Thank you @Marlorena, as do you. It's just a humble Samsung phone but with a good camera...a major priority when choosing it actually. Also being a photographer of many years standing helps I think with composition and picking out detail.Â
I get caught by the ones that appear smooth and then have a nasty, lone, hidden thorn, as they lull you into a false sense of security by looking harmless.Â
Totally agree! My Guirlande is for example a devil in disguise . Nasty pricklers, followed by GdF
Aphids not too bad this year. The birds seem to like my new rose supports, they work their way across the roses on the patio and have 'pause and be thankful' spots on the horizontals (plenty of evidence below).
Your rose seedlings looking good @Mr. Vine Eye , which parent were those from? How many have emerged? I am still waiting.
About a half dozen roses have colourful buds so I feel poised, I really like Canary Bird in the meantime.
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..I suspect they are modern repeat flowering roses, as most people have those, so pruning them down like that will probably do them a lot of good Lizzie... not a problem, I would say..
There's a big rambler type on a high wall which I think it's best left for the time being.
I'll try to post before and after pics tomorrow!
I get caught by the ones that appear smooth and then have a nasty, lone, hidden thorn, as they lull you into a false sense of security by looking harmless.Â
It’s very disappointing to not have the natural predators visiting this year. I can see them around, they’re just not coming into the garden.
There's been much cussing done over the years when pruning it I can tell you.
...lots of ladybirds here, swarming in fact, but there's never enough..