From what I have heard, I am not the only person who enjoys the colours of autumn along with the beautiful roses that bloom at this time of the year.

If you have roses, first and foremost, keep deadheading those that have finished flowering. If you don't remove them you will miss out on receiving more blooms because the rose will put its energy into the developing rose hips.

I have recently noticed black-spot on the leaves of the roses.

Make sure you remove these leaves so the spores don't spread to other leaves. Once removed, the leaves must be burned. Never put in the compost as it will spread this fungal disease.

Also, make sure you pick up any diseased leaves lying on the ground. Always water roses at the base of the plant and try to avoid moisture on the leaves as this promotes black-spot.

Roses do not use a lot of water and I have found the best way to keep them healthy is to mulch well and give them a good deep soak less often, as is the case with all plants as it helps them cope during the warmer weather.

The reward will be healthy plants and lots of blooms. I enjoy growing roses as much for the perfume and there is a little miniature rose named the fairy that is a delight. This dainty pink flowering rose is very easy to grow. All it needs is a sunny-to-part shaded position in the garden, and it can also be grown in a pot.

During the winter prune back to an outward facing shoot and remove any old wood. I have found July the best time to prune roses and when you have finished, water deeply before feeding them. If you do not water first you may burn the roots of your roses. Roses can be fed during summer and again at the start of autumn.

Happy gardening!

Charmaine Wakefield is proprietor of Monlisha Park Nursery in Lock Avenue, Werribee. Open Friday, Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm.