NOW IS THE TIME TO PAY ATTENTION TO BLOOMING ROSES ON YOUR PATCH

JUNE is peak flowering season for roses. Whether scrambling up walls and trellises or growing in borders or pots, they are the essence of an English country garden, and remain a firm favourite with gardeners.

- DIARMUID GAVIN

Their beauty and scent is unrivalled but they can be susceptible to pests and diseases. So what's the best way to look after your roses over the summer months?

The most likely problem will be greenfly or aphids and you will easily spot these covering new leaves and rosebuds. They are a natural part of a garden's biodiversity and a staple diet for ladybirds. They feed on sap and their excretion is known as honeydew. This can form a black mould and look unsightly.

However, they won't do too much harm to your rose but to keep populations under control, just wipe them off with your fingers or gently hose them off. You can also concoct a home-made remedy of water and a splash of liquid detergent in a watering can and direct it at them.