January and February are notorious in Melbourne for being very dry. What rose blooms we get in those months are small and fleeting. Dry conditions cause the plants to "stand still", and look quite sad. Copious watering will only bring small blooms, and because roses prefer cool, moist conditions in the soil, it might profit us to consider preparing our plants for blooming in April, when we can be assured of much better quality.

If you require blooms for a special occasion in April or May, then to obtain quality blooms we "Summer Trim" the plants. For April blooms, about 8 weeks before the required date, trim the plants by about one third to a plump bud. Cluster-flowered roses should be cut back to a bud beneath the cluster. (Ignore new water-shoots). Don't be concerned that you are cutting away new young growth. The blooms from this would be poor quality in March anyway. Also be sure to remove any old wood not capable of producing vigorous new growth. This will reduce the task at Winter pruning time.

Now feed the plants generously with a balanced fertiliser, or fowl manure, and flood the ground with water. Stand back and watch them go (grow)!