166 THE ROSE BOOK 



by the Rose Garden at Chalkwell Park, Westcliff-on-Sea, 

 which is maintained by the Corporation of Southend. 

 There is to be found a choice collection of roses in the 

 rudest of health. Unfortunately the soil in gardens near 

 the sea is often chalky, and, therefore, not so suitable 

 for rose growing. 



If I were searching for a good rose soil, I should 

 choose one in which elm trees flourished, and where 

 the blackberries grew luxuriantly. Walls add greatly 

 to the charm of a rose garden, though they are expensive 

 to build. Those of about eight feet in height are especially 

 suitable. On those facing south and west one may 

 plant the choicest Tea roses, not necessarily the climbing 

 varieties, but those ordinarily of dwarf growth in the 

 open garden, for in such an ideal position they will 

 quickly reach the top of the wall. 



Walls of even four feet in height are of much value, 

 as affording protection from keen winds, and are to be 

 preferred to hedges of evergreens, which rob the soil 

 of much of its value. But a small walled-in garden is 

 not recommended. Roses delight in fresh air and sun- 

 shine. Most nurserymen grow their best roses in the 

 open fields. 



Soil. — The best soil for roses is a rich, rather heavy 

 loam. Soil that will grow good wheat or hay will grow 

 good roses also. A couple of cartloads of top soil taken 

 from a building plot would go a long way towards making 

 an ideal rose bed, or it could be blended with the staple 

 soil that already exists in the average garden. 



Good drainage is very essential on heavy land 



