[Carrotcake]

Dear All

I have the opportunity to look after a large number of (mainly shrub, but other types too)roses for an abscent owner near us.

If there are any rose experts out there, please could you give me some advice about when to prune and feed, along with how to treat blackfly, black spot and any other diseases they are susceptible to.

If there's anything else that is pertinent, please feel free to add.

Many thanks

[Yorkie]

The RHS will have a series of webpages about rose care, I'm sure - might be worth googling them 

[Trillium]

In the drier climate of France, you're less likely to get blackspot, but if you do, a spray of 1 tbsp baking soda to 1 litre of water should sort it out. Roses aren't very prone to blackfly and if no one is madly spraying chemical sprays about then the ladybugs or other beneficial bugs will take care of them when you're not looking.

Shrub roses really can't take too much pruning and it's a bit late to prune hybrid teas. But do check some good websites on pruning techniques if you feel they need work.