So it is that time of year again - time to prepare my roses to shine in my garden through spring and summer.
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I was a little late to the task this year, because while I love my roses, I can't help thinking they are out to get me when it comes to pruning.
My mother, whose roses have always looked impressive, has taught me to prune above the node, feed frequently and do a major prune in late July or early August in preparation for the season ahead.
I'm not sure how much my pruning delay until early September will impact the rose presentation in my garden in the months ahead, but I can guarantee I am scarred by the experience - again.
No matter how carefully I tackle the task, I always seem to come off second best, covered in scratches on my arms and with sore points on my hands where the thorns have penetrated my gardening gloves.
Each year, I wonder if the pain of the task is really worth it, but before I know it, these beautiful but spiteful plants start to deliver the goods - stunning blooms and often an intoxicating scent that leaves my garden looking like I really know what I am doing.
For a short time, all is forgiven of these prickly plants.
That is until the next frustration of rose gardening raises its ugly head - the endless cycle of battling aphids and black spot.
I try to use natural options to tackle both, but the soapy water I use to spray on the aphids inevitably leads to black spot.
Then, when I remove any leaves showing this dreaded fungus, I set myself on a path to bare branches.
The pretty flowers that continue to blossom are far less impressive when they appear on the end of what is ultimately a leafless stick.
Of course, if I don't deal with the aphids, the flower buds and subsequent flowers become a huge disappointment.
Still, with blind hope, I cut back those branches - just above a node - once the flower dies off.
I convince myself that this time I will beat the aphids and black spot cycle - but, alas, I am always disappointed.
Meanwhile, I live with rose envy of all those who have gardens filled with healthy plants in an impressive array of floral colour.
I ask you - what is your secret?
I'm keen for solutions to this prickly problem.
