If rose growing has intimidated you in the past, think about trying rugosa roses. These large specimens are excellent as hedges or at the back of a wide perennial bed in a sunny location. Many have repeated blooming periods and offer the extended benefit of large rosehips in the fall.

Rugosa roses are famous for their ability to withstand salty breezes and frigid temperatures. These tough individuals don’t even need to be mounded about the base with dirt as hybrid teas do before winter sets in. But when it comes to classic form and beauty, it’s hard to beat the shape of traditional hybrid teas. These are the types of roses typically associated with Valentine’s Day. Although some have referred to them as a rich man’s annual in the past, they are easy enough to grow. Provide them with a great start in the way of proper soil preparation - equal parts compost, peat moss, and a generous annual sprinkling of bone meal -and you’re well on your way to success.

All roses require lots of water as well. A good weekly drenching if Mother Nature doesn’t provide it is a necessity. During the weekly watering you can add some 20.20.20 water soluble fertilizer at half strength to keep your plants healthy and vigorous.

One of the worst problems with growing roses is aphids. These can often be seen clustered around the tender new growth at the top of the shrub. You have the choice of spraying them off with water, spritzing them with a soapy mixture (a capful of Ivory liquid soap to one litre of water), garlic oil or the application of a beneficial insect like ladybugs.

Some people use banana peelings piled about the base of the bush to deter aphids.

The wide range of colours and increased hardiness of so many cultivars make roses more appealing than ever for those who hold a soft spot for this romantic plant.

There are dozens if not hundreds of new cultivars introduced each year. One to watch for in 2007 is a winner with the All-America Rose Selections. Strike it Rich is decribed as having spicy fragrance, loads of bloom and super-long elegant buds of gold polished with rosy pink. It has natural disease-resistance and is strong and vigorous. The dark green leaves and unusual red stems set off the richly coloured blooms.