NO PLASTIC!!!!! Yes to mulch.

ok so no plastic - but it's ok to put the mulch down to cut down on the weeds

what about paper

Some people use paper, but I think traditional mulch is more attractive. Here's a link that might be useful: Mulching Your Roses.

Here is a good link, scroll down to the "MULCHES" heading & you can read 9 articles about different tips on mulching. https://puyallup.wsu.edu/lcs/

Thank you so for the article wirosarian. I needed to have some sense not into me again. I not sure what made me hop on the band wagon as my roses where fine before.