Does anyone know a a way I can try and reduce the amount of black spot in my garden? I live in the bottom of a valley where there are low night temperatures in summer and heavy dews. In the U.K. we don't have a Continental climate with long summers and winters with short springs and autumns. Spring can start in February but still go on until the end of May, likewise, autumn can start in August but we still can get warm weather in November. There is usually high rain fall throughout the year and frosts in June and August are not uncommon. Certain roses grow very well, Gallicas, Damasks, Albas and certain species crosses like x 'Highdownensis' grow very well. Others, like 'Compassion', 'Iceburg' and most David Austin roses struggle to thrive and after the first year gradually become poorer. Almost every rose I grow gets black spot to some degree although I have never experienced any type of mildew or rust. Even the wild populations of Rosa arvensis are almost defoliated with this disease. I also believe there are issues with trace elements in the soil. It is a slightly acid well drained loam. The heavy rain fall we experience has I believe deluded the soil of certain elements like boron. I am experimenting with dressing the soil with borax and lime this winter. Every spring I give the roses a dressing of fish, blood and bone, I also mulch with my home made compost and chicken manure pellets added. I am fastidious with collecting up the diseased leaves which I burn. For next season I want to plan a structured spay programme which ideally should be as organic as possible but this is not set in stone. Any suggestions other members have would be greatly be appreciated, thank you.