I prefer dormant roses to be planted in June - this time frame will give gardeners space to prepare beds with good soil and compost.

Never fertilise where new roses are to be planted as the tiny new roots will quickly be released into the fertiliser and burning may occur.

It is wise to wait for a couple of months before giving new plants a small handful of Sudden Impact.

Daily watering is most important as the rose coming out of dormancy is creating new growth requiring the sap stream to rise.

Two new releases to be added to the vast number of reds already available are Gallipoli Centenary and Veteran's Honour.

I haven't yet seen either of these commemorative roses in flower, but it would appear that Gallipoli Centenary is a similar colour to that of the Flanders Poppy, whilst Veteran's Honour has exquisite deep red buds and is highly perfumed.

Swanes have released an intensely fragrant mini rose - Man of Steel which is almost a steely blue colour.

In total contrast is The Golden Child that bears beautiful gold blooms on bronze new growth.

I'm constantly being asked for perfumed roses, the list is endless but be reassured that most reds are highly fragrant, including our own City of Newcastle Bicentenary.

The flowers are large and long lasting making them ideal for display - as the blooms age the perfume becomes more intense.

Rose breeders throughout the world cross breed, constantly in the search for fragrant roses, some of the more modern additions are perfectly formed, many are shades of pink , flushed with white or cream.

They include Falling in Love, a warm pink with porcelain white; Mother's Love, white to baby pink with a deeper pink centre; Diana, Princess of Wales, ivory petals, overlaid with a clear pink blush, almost peach; and Heaven Scent, orchid pink with the intense perfume of an old damask rose.

Still in the pink, but darker and hot pink is Best Friend, that has a strong, sweet fragrance.

A change of colour from pink, but still very fragrant is one of my favourites, Barbra Streisand, which is a rich lavender colour.

The majority of white roses don't have a good perfume; one that does have a heavenly fragrance is Full Sail.