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CHAPTER VI. 



PLANTING. 



*' The Rose is the honour and beauty of flowers." 



— Anacreon. 



In most trade catalogues you will find some 

 advice as to the planting and the care of 

 trees upon their arrival from the nurseries, 

 and such notes are indeed helpful to the amateur 

 who knows very little about horticulture other 

 than what is gleaned from trade catalogues or a 

 gardening paper. Any information is valuable that 

 tends towards the successful culture of the Rose, and, 

 although the essence of this chapter is common know- 

 ledge to most growers, yet experience always counts, 

 and I have found in life that every one of us can 

 learn a little more from our neighbours than we already 

 know. There are two classes of amateurs who buy 

 Rose trees — those who are enthusiasts and study the 

 flower, and those possessing gardens, having seen 

 some varieties at a show or in a neighbour's garden, 

 decide to grow a few trees, and therefore place an 

 order. The first man knows the exact place where his 

 tree has to go when he orders it ; the second buyer 

 does not trouble so much, knowing only that it will be 

 planted in the front or back garden, where room can 

 be found. I have little fears for the success of the 

 Rose trees with the first man, but with the second I 

 have grave doubts. " Position is the art of gun- 

 nery," and so, too, with the Rose; if you do not select 

 a favourable position she will neither shoot nor burst 

 into bloom as she ought. In the making of a Rose 

 garden, it is always wisest to work to a plan no matter 

 how rough. Choose your site, lay out your Rose 



