In the garden this week: Rose revival and clean water butts

Rose revival Old, overgrown roses can turn woody and tree-like, with few flowers at the top of long branches. Chopped to the ground now, they have an amazing capacity for rejuvenation. This is kill or cure, so best to do it if it's on its final warning anyway. Use loppers to make diagonal cuts just above an outward-facing bud, then mulch with well-rotted manure to give the plant a boost. No iffs or butts With watering low on the agenda, now is the moment to empty your water butt and give it a clean out. Algae builds up over the year and makes for a gunky bottom and green water. You may be able to blast the slime with a hose; otherwise, climb in and get scrubbing. Some leave butts empty over winter for fear of them freezing and splitting, but a full butt is unlikely to freeze solid, and it seems a waste of good rain-gathering opportunities. Wrap the tap with a cloth or bubble wrap to prevent damage.