It's that time of year - Prune your roses!

Peter Cundall is an absolute champ. His passion for gardening is just so inspirational and he's definitely been a great guide in my gardening endeavours. What I love about Peter Cundall is how he encourages people to not get caught up on the exacts of gardening and just to get out there, enjoy the plants, enjoy the relationship you have with your garden, and just do it. If you make a few mistakes, it doesn't matter, so long as you're getting out there and enjoying and learning. The other day I read another gem from him, on pruning roses:

"Now here's a little tip. If ever you're feeling depressed and a bit frustrated on a cold winter day, get out into the garden and start pruning the roses. Honestly, you'll feel so much better."

and then there was:

"Just imagine a wandering cow has got in and is munching away quite happily. It’s brutal, and yet they love it."

It is indeed that time of year again. Winter is settling in and it's time to get fierce the roses. Gib got stuck into ours yesterday (he was feeling a bit vexed and took Peter's advice!) and reshaped our climbing rose, cut of branches that were growing the wrong way. He cut back another rose that was originally planted in the garden when the house was built back in the 60's. The poor thing hasn't much shape and produces only 5 - 8 flowers - very large, beautiful apricot coloured flowers - each year, and it definitely needs more light. It's also the time to transplant roses as well. My parents have been a bit scared of roses, much like their herb garden, and haven't yet realised the joy that butchering these plants brings to both you and them (I think they need to listen to Peter Cundall more).

Don't be afraid! Get out there and prune back your rose and it will love you and reward you for it.

Here are some great links to help you get inspired:

• Peter Cundall's advice and inspiration on how to prune roses
  
• Pruning roses: The right cut
• Burke's Backyard's very helpful hints on the how and when of pruning
• Preparing your roses for winter

'Living the Country Life Radio Program' getting brutal