The welcome rain will have brightened up your roses, and they will be sprouting away vigorously in response. The ground will be soft, ideal to commence plans for transplanting roses in readiness for new arrivals if any. The best method for safe transplant of roses is to prepare them for the move. It is better for there to be some new root growth to be stimulated beforehand. This reduces the need to cut the plants hard when transplanted, for there is root formation, and the plants will get away more easily.

Insert a spade to a spade's depth all around the plant, thus severing the roots at a distance of 20cms from the crown of canes at ground level. Lever the spade just enough to release the spade, and leave. Where roots have been severed, in the 2-3 months before lifting in July, or June in coastal areas, small rootlets will form. Thus, when lifted, a feeding system will have been created, and only half of the pruning is necessary, compared to that if we came along in June, moved the plant, and waited for it to redevelop a new root system.

Time also to prepare the ground for new roses. Turn the ground over and apply 10cms of mulch all over the area and leave. Fork it over in May and June prior to planting your new roses.