240 THE ROSE BOOK 



by the wind that holes are formed near the base of the 

 plants in which pools of water collect. The holes should 

 be filled up at once with firm soil. The growths of newly 

 planted bush roses may be shortened to two feet ; this 

 will prevent their being blown about. 



When roses are planted near hedges the roots from 

 the hedge plants are likely to invade the rose beds. 

 Trenches, three feet wide and two to three feet deep, 

 should be opened near the hedge, all roots found being 

 cut off. This will have to be repeated annually, but it 

 is better than allowing the roses to be spoilt. 



If roses are grown extensively under glass, turf may 

 now be carted and stacked ready for another year. We 

 prefer to arrange a layer of soil and a layer of cow manure 

 alternately until the stack is complete. Roses intended to 

 be grown in an unheated greenhouse should now be pruned. 

 Grafting under glass should be proceeded with now, 

 although the amateur would be well advised not to 

 waste time upon it. It is much better for him to bud 

 pot-grown briers in June and July. 



February 

 If the soil has been forked up the frost will do it 

 much good. Planting may still be carried on in mild 

 weather, providing the soil is not too wet. Rather than 

 plant when the ground is wet and sticky, the reader should 

 defer the work. Procure the plants before all the best 

 are gone, and on their arrival put the roots in a trench 

 and cover with soil, making the latter firm. On heavy 

 land it is advisable to dig and plant at the same time ; 



