At one time, I had over 100 bushes then came the deer massacre. In 2013, I decided to plant some hybrid teas. It's been a long time since I did any heavy pruning. I lost 2016 and 2017 because of health issues and was really looking forward to pruning this year and then the rain came. Today was the first day, I could prune. The roses were really starting to leaf out, so I opted for minor cleanup and fertilizing. It's getting ready to rain today and rain is expected for the next 3 days. Nothing waters better than steady rain.

When I had a lot of roses, I pruned them as recommended. Every year, I would find one cane wonders and fatalities. I haven't lost a rose since I replanted. Maybe the growers I bought from had healthier stock They aren't beasts but are doing fine. I'm almost reluctant to attempt heavy pruning next year.