First the fish, then the toads, now the roses – Preston Park gardeners have had a run of bad luck in the past few months.

The unfortunate council staff have had a series of bizarre ecological problems since February.

First the plans to stem a leak in the rockery’s pond went awry, when about 40 carp were killed because water in their temporary home was not kept fresh.

Then conservationists claimed the timing of the work to spruce up Preston Park rockery garden also claimed the lives of the rockery’s toad population.

Now Preston Park’s legendary rose garden is the latest victim – as errant sprays of weed killer managed to reach the plants.

An update from the Friends of Preston Park said: “It seems some roses were caught by a drift from a herbicide spray – the park staff are upset this has happened but are determined to rectify the problem.

“The affected roses will be examined again in September – some may recover – and it will then be assessed how many need to be replaced. It’s forecast that replacement roses will be ordered in the autumn and then planted out.

“I hope you’re able to enjoy the park while the weather is reasonable and that the rose problem doesn’t affect your pleasure in the garden as a whole.”

The accidental weedkiller spraying has been combined with another unknown problem, possibly a parasite or fungus in the soil, which has stunted the plants in some of the beds.

Stunning

Council staff have given assurances the rose garden is “looking and smelling pretty stunning despite these problems” and were keen to stress the gardens were still worth a visit.

A council spokesman said: “Some roses were affected by weedkiller drifting on the wind when the garden was treated in April.

“There are others which were already struggling for reasons we’re looking into.

“Not all the sickly-looking plants have been affected by weedkiller. Some may recover. So we’ll review the situation in September and replace any which need it.”