Good rose care programme?

From what I have seen so far, underplanting seems to have both advantages and disadvantages. Even if it will preclude the use of an electric hoe, with further research it might just be going on the to-do list.

 

There's a lovely article by Sarah raven in an old telegraph from 17 October last year, on under planting roses with salvias of many kinds, to help keep black spot at bay. I will certainly be having a go at this, I've already planted a small line of salvias at the front of my rose bed. Has anyone else tried this?

 

Sarah Ravens article is available online here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/how-to-grow/at-last-roses-meet-their-perfect-match/

From other online sources, it appears that there are other plants that help roses stay healthy.

 

Dont worry, @wiseowl even if roses are underplanted here, the Scanian Plain provides plenty of air circulation!

 

I wouldn't exactly call the use of Salvias under planting as they would swallow up the roses. I like to see my roses not cover them, so would be more inclined to use something at least half the height. The only reason I would under plant anyway, is to keep weeds at bay.