Hello! I’m Mandy, and I’ve just joined the Plant Area team here at Goulds Garden Centre. I’m the newest (and possibly bubbliest!) member of the team, and I absolutely love roses – they’re such show-offs in the summer, but by this time of year they can start to look a little tired.
Late summer is the perfect moment to give your roses a refresh. A quick tidy-up now will keep them blooming into autumn and help set them up nicely for next year. It’s best to get this done before the weather turns colder and wetter in October, when roses naturally start to slow down.
So, grab your gloves, your secateurs, and let’s give your roses a bit of pampering. You’ll be amazed at how quickly they bounce back.
What You’ll Need
-
Clean, sharp secateurs (give them a quick wipe with antibac first)
-
A comfy pair of gloves – trust me, those thorns mean business!
-
Pellet fertiliser (I like Miracle-Gro Rose & Shrub Food)
-
John Innes No.3 Mature Plant Compost
-
Decorative Mini Bark for a smart finishing touch
Let’s Get Started
1. Clean your tools
It might not sound exciting, but it’s so important. Wiping your secateurs with antibac stops you accidentally spreading diseases from one plant to another.
2. Gloves on!
Roses are beautiful, but they’re not always gentle. A good pair of gloves will save your hands from thorns and scratches.
3. Say goodbye to poorly leaves
If you see yellowing leaves or ones with black spot, gently remove them. Pop them in the bin (not the compost) so the problem doesn’t spread.
4. Time for a trim
Cut back stems just above a leaf node (that’s where the leaves meet the stem) at a slight angle. This encourages fresh, healthy growth. While you’re there, snip away any dead or dying bits.
5. Feed me!
Okay, your rose might not actually talk, but it is hungry. Sprinkle pellet fertiliser around the base to give it the energy it needs for more blooms.
6. Top up the compost
A layer of John Innes No.3 Mature Plant Compost is like serving your rose a hearty meal – full of goodness and nutrients.
7. Mulch and make it pretty
Cover the compost with Decorative Mini Bark. It locks in moisture, keeps weeds down, and makes everything look neat and tidy.
8. Finish with a drink
Give your rose a generous watering to help it settle after its little spa treatment.
Why It Works
Doing this now keeps your roses healthy, disease-free, and full of energy for another flush of flowers. It also sets them up to be stronger and healthier going into next year. Plus, it makes your garden look gorgeous, and who doesn’t want that?
