Sean McCann says "the gardener should think of himself as a sergeant-major where roses are concerned - and top of the inventory should be a fair amount of spit and polish." In the same vein, another Irish rose-breeder, Sam McGredy states: "If you want good silver, you have to polish it, and if you want good roses you have to spray them." Accordingly, if it's completely unblemished blooms and leaves that you're after, you probably have to follow a regular spraying programme. Roseclear 2 is the only combined fungicide and insecticide on the market here. If you use it (or any other garden chemicals), follow the instructions on the package, wash out spray containers after use and wash hands and face immediately. Roses will benefit from a mid-June feed with a proprietary rose food.