Despite the cold temps here in Connecticut, my rose shrubs are all starting to leaf out. Now’s the time to tidy them up by cutting them back. I cut off any winterkill, as well as the weakest and thinnest of boughs, so the shrub can put all its growing energy into the healthiest parts. I’ve cut back last years’ huge billowy rose shrubs to a state where they look like sticks coming out of the ground. The first time I did that, it was really scary! I thought I overdid it, but soon learned that they would grow back even heartier!