Some say this is one of the dark arts of gardening.  There are a few principles to follow but it’s really quite straightforward:

  1. Sharp and clean secateurs and/or loppers
  2. Make sloping cuts that run away from the bud
  3. Aim for an open centre and no crossing or rubbing stems

I had two main jobs with the roses today.  Prune the hybrid teas; I had reduced the height of stems in the autumn and it was tempting to leave the new shoots but they needed a bit of management

The second was rather more painful; Gertrude Jekyll may have beautiful blooms but she has vicious thorns too.  One of the obelisks was leaning and likely causing root rock, so action was needed.  It was like unpicking a very large knot.  I used red string to tie the stems back.

Order restored!