HOW TO GROW ROSES 



* a 



Roses ready for winter with overcoats of straw, really second-hand bottle 

 covers. Excellent protection (see page 83) 



second story, after a most severe winter season. But the pro- 

 tection had been very thorough. 



Obviously, there is no danger where there is no frost. Where 

 the thermometer falls below freezing, the less hardy varieties 

 should be partly covered, and all roses will be the better for 

 some protection, at least about the roots. If you are visited 

 with zero weather, let ''preparedness'' be your rule. To begin 

 with, bank up the soil cone-shaped, with the apex 6 to 10 inches 

 high around the stem of each bush. Ashes are sometimes used, 

 but we know of nothing that is better than soil. In very cold 

 countries, the roses may be Hfted entirely and buried in trenches 

 for the winter, and they will come out in fine shape for replanting 

 in spring. After you have drawn the soil nicely around them 

 (see calendar), leave them alone till the ground is frozen with 

 a crust hard enough to bear the weight of a stone-laden wheel- 

 barrow. By this time the moles and mice, or other creatures, 

 will have secured their winter abodes elsewhere, and not 

 be tempted to make nests in the protecting material you will 

 next apply. Now do not smother your roses, or they may die. 

 Cover them thoroughly, as high up as you attempt to protect 

 them, but always allow for the circulation of air. A 3- or 4-inch 

 blanket of good, heavy stable-manure will keep out much cold. 



