TOOLS AND PRUNING OF ROSES

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32314, 4 June 1970, Page 9

TOOLS AND PRUNING OF ROSES

1: Tools for pruning are required predominantly during the winter months when the bulk of this work is carried but Hie value of good tools cannot be stressed too much or too often. The illustration shows a bow saw for sawing off large branches. An anvil type pair of secateurs and a parrot beak pair are separated by a small file and a sharpening stone, within the confines of the saw. Both of these tools have their uses though some gardeners may swear by one or other. Long-handled pruners lie open in mid-picture. A curved saw enables awkwardly situated branches to be removed; a sharp knife should always be handy and a sealing compound used to cover cuts more than half an inch in diameter. 2: New roses require pruning hard back, usually to a bud pointing away from the centre. Here we have an unpruned standard rose as purchased from a nursery. 3: This is what it looks like after it has been pruned, which may be done before planting. Note the open centre and general freedom from stubs. New shoots have plenty of room to develop freely in suitable positions. 4: This is a standard rose after it has been planted. The position of the stake, which is preferably hammered into the ground before planting, is below the head of the rose, out of the way and the standard has been securely fastened with plastic tape which will stretch a little. The standard will not grow any taller as the desired variety has been budded on to it and all growth made will emanate from above the union.