When the forsythia starts to bloom, it is time to gently wake your rose plants. Carefully remove the winter protection from around the canes. If you used materials that drain easily, you can incorporate them into the soil or use as a mulch around the plants. If you did not fertilize during the winter, now is the time.

According to Hutton, when forsythia blooms is also the time to prune back the canes of your roses. In most cases, they should be cut leaving no more than 12 inches of the old canes. Also prune out any light, twiggy growth from the base of the plant. This creates a stronger plant with lots of blooms from the first flush in spring.

As new leaves start to show, spray your roses with a fungicide to control black spot, making certain to cover the stems, new shoots, leaves and the ground around the plant. This will help clean up any of the disease that may have survived the winter.

"If you only spray your roses once, doing so in early spring will do the best job of getting your roses off to a fast, healthy start," Hutton said.

These tips apply to conventional garden roses such as the hybrid teas, grandifloras and floribundas.

Shrub roses need no winter protection

"If you have Star Landscape Roses such as the Bonica, Carefree Delight, 'Knock Out' or any of the Meidiland shrub roses, none of this winter protection is needed. You can ignore all of the above," Hutton said. "If you wish to do pruning and fertilizing, however, spring is the right time for them."

As the north winds begin to blow, your rose blooms and scents are gone, but not forgotten. A little effort this fall will ensure that they survive to delight you again next year.

Star Roses and Star Quality Plants, from The Conard-Pyle Co. since 1897, are available in fine garden centers everywhere. For more information visit www.starroses.com.

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