Tiny, elusive and surprisingly hungry, spider mites are one of the most common pests to appear on roses during warm, dry weather. Although they're difficult to spot, the damage they leave behind is much easier to recognise. Fortunately, once you know what to look for, they're straightforward to manage, especially when caught early.

There is a distinct, bittersweet ache that every gardener knows. It happens the moment you zip up your suitcase, step out the front door, and cast a final glance at your garden. In the height of summer, our roses are often reaching their breathtaking peak. It feels almost cruel to leave them behind just as they are putting on their finest show.

There is nothing quite like the sudden panic of walking out to your garden coffee in hand and noticing your prized rose bush looks completely washed out. One day it is a picture of lush green health, and the next, a scattering of bright yellow leaves makes it look like autumn arrived early. If you are staring at your plants right now wondering what went wrong, take a deep breath.

Potted roses offer a wonderfully flexible way to plant roses throughout much of the year. Whether you're adding a shrub rose to a mixed border, training a climber over an arch, or creating a container display for a patio, planting correctly from the outset will help your rose establish quickly and thrive for years to come.

Summers no longer behave as they once did. The balance of sun and rain that shaped our gardens for generations is slipping, replaced by longer dry spells and more intense heat. The soil hardens, moisture disappears quickly, and even the most established plants begin to show signs of stress. Roses, for all their grace and vigour, are no exception. But while the weather is changing, so too can we adapt our approach, caring for our plants with greater awareness and intention.

There is an undeniable allure to a rose bush at the peak of its summer display. Yet, as individual blossoms fade, they do more than just disrupt the visual harmony of your garden. Left untouched, a spent flower signals to the plant that its reproductive work is complete. The rose then shifts its energy away from flower production and into developing seed pods, known as rose hips.

As the warmer months arrive, ensuring your roses remain well-hydrated is the most effective way to maintain their health and vitality. Regular watering supports the plant’s natural resilience, allowing for a consistent and beautiful display of flowers throughout the summer.

There are few sights more disheartening for a rose grower than watching fresh, vigorous growth suddenly falter. You’ve spent weeks monitoring a promising new shoot as it reaches for the sun. Then, almost overnight, the leaves begin to pucker. A strange, silvery dust settles over the buds like a ghostly velvet. This is Powdery Mildew.

By following these simple steps, you will ensure your potted climbing rose gets off to the very best start, helping it settle beautifully into the ground and establish the strong, healthy framework needed for years of abundant growth and flowers.

Planting a climbing rose in a container brings height, softness and a quiet sense of structure to the garden. With a generous pot and a little care at the beginning, your rose will settle happily and reward you with graceful growth. Climbing roses are well suited to container life, particularly those of a more moderate height. Given space for their roots and something to climb, they will flourish.

As the days grow longer and the warmth of spring fills the air, your roses begin to come back to life. But with the change in season, you might notice some tiny visitors on your plants – aphids.

Planting a rose in a pot is both versatile and deeply rewarding. It allows you to create moments of beauty wherever space allows, whether in a generous garden or a small, sunlit corner. With a little care at the outset, your shrub rose will settle with ease and grow into a balanced, free-flowering plant.