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. I will report more about this in February Culture Notes.

Historic roses will be putting up new growth and should be watered regularly to prevent this new growth being stressed due to lack of moisture. If you require blooms for a special occasion in March, April, or May, then withhold water from the plants this month. To obtain these quality blooms I referred to earlier, we "Summer Trim" the plants. For March blooms, about 7 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 February 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 chook poo, and flood the ground with water. Stand back and watch them go (grow)!