[catllar]

I gave my roses a prune last week - for many reasons they didn't get done last year - and they have already started throwing up lovely new shoots. Is it too late to feed them now - will it still do any good or should I wait till after the first flowering is finished? Thanks

[mumofstig]

They'll use it to make new shoots and flowers, so I'd do it now

[catllar]

Right - job for tomorrow, then.

[Goosegirl]

Any shrub that is pruned should have a good feed and, with roses, another one after the first flowering.

[catllar]

OK, got out and fed them all, they said "thanks Mum"  The garden is a bit out of sorts at the moment as I've only just had the green light to start back at it again after my back surgery last July. So I'm taking small bite-size bits at the moment. About an hour is all I can do if involves bending or kneeling.

[Goosegirl]

OK, got out and fed them all, they said "thanks Mum"  The garden is a bit out of sorts at the moment as I've only just had the green light to start back at it again after my back surgery last July. So I'm taking small bite-size bits at the moment. About an hour is all I can do if involves bending or kneeling.

I know the feeling - and I haven't had back surgery. I pruned a big Rosa rugosa hedge and had to keep stopping as my back gave me real gip. Why I couldn't think as I had done other things and had no problem. I must admit that I only had a vest and t-shirt on as it was warm but my OH said that the cool breezes would get through these layers un-noticed and to have something warmer on around the back area. Doh - did it again on another warm day with a cool breeze - guess what - my back hurt again. Lesson learnt...!