MAY 251 



must be pinched out, and the underground suckers from 

 standard roses removed. 



Disbudding is necessary towards the end of the month 

 if show blooms are desired. As a rule, though not in- 

 variably, the central bud is retained. Really decorative 

 roses, such as Ecarlate, etc., need no disbudding, for 

 their beauty consists in their profusion. 



In some seasons we have a very dry spell of weather 

 in May and it becomes necessary to water the roses. 

 This is rarely necessary on heavy land, but on light soil 

 it is advisable. Water with plain water first, and then 

 with weak liquid manure. Good soakings are better 

 than driblets, and the soil ought to be hoed the next 

 day to prevent its " caking." Waterings with liquid 

 manure are very helpful to all kinds of roses, whether 

 for garden decoration or for exhibition, but much depends 

 on the season. In wet weather the plants may have 

 light sprinklings of artificial manure, which is hoed into 

 the soil. Light soils benefit by a mulching this month. 

 Spent hops make an excellent mulch, and if a little 

 sulphate of ammonia is scattered on at the same time, 

 rain or watering with plain water will carry down nour- 

 ishment to the roots. Roses on walls ought to be watered 

 twice a week from now onwards, for they do not derive 

 full benefit from rain. 



Roses raised from cuttings under glass now require 

 potting singly in small sixty (two and a half inch) pots, 

 using a sandy compost. Keep the plants in the warm 

 greenhouse. Roses under glass must be kept free from 

 aphis and mildew by timely fumigating and vaporising 



