Q&A Plants: Roses

My friend has some lovely old-fashioned shrub roses and she has offered me the chance to take some cuttings. Would it be worthwhile?

Elisabeth: Many roses can be grown successfully from hardwood cuttings taken in early autumn and inserted in a slit trench on good soil. This is a splendid idea as it's cost-effective and rewarding.

Taking cuttings is also a great idea if you are moving house and want to recreate your old plants elsewhere. Be sure to label all cuttings so you don't lose track of them.