At Tasman Bay Roses weed control in the nursery and garden is solely by means of hand hoeing and mechanical cultivation. Weeds are best removed when they are small and easy to eradicate and then the job isn't too arduous. Some gardeners don't spray at all and get away with it. Small birds can help by feeding on insect pests and ladybirds are to be encouraged as they eat aphis larvae. Watering throughout the summer will keep plants in good order.
Healthy plants tend to stay healthy.
A The Royal National Rose Society, St Albans, UK have recently conducted a series of pruning trials using hedge trimmers. They have come to the conclusion that pruning by mechanical means will produce a better, leafier plant and a greater abundance of flowers. For those who wish to show roses it might pay to prune more carefully. Join a rose society they will instruct you. If you have a specific question, not covered above, email Nigel .