THE ROSE GARDEN. 55 



were budded on the Dog Rose. The days were sunny, the nights were frosty, 

 the mercury falling to about 28° Fahrenheit. Numerous other plants, whose 

 roots were kept covered, and which were planted at the same time, greAv and 

 flourished without one exception. And these two did not die ; but for three years 

 they have maintained a miserable existence, neither growing as the others grow, 

 nor producing any creditable flowers ; and yet they were as robust and vigorous 

 as any, if, indeed, not more so. 



If there are two employed in planting, the one may dig the holes at proper 

 distances, mixing the soil taken out with some well-pulverized manure, and laying 

 it on the sides of the holes ready for use in planting. If the soil be light, he may, 

 notwithstanding the dressing it may have previously received, add a few spadesful 

 of loam for any very choice kind : if the soil be heavy, he may add a few 

 spadesful of leaf-mould. This latter substance is an excellent addition to heavy 

 soils, and almost indispensable when the Tea-scented Roses are planted there : it 

 tempts them to root vigorously, and strong well-flowered plants are the result. 



If Standards only are planted, three feet apart is a good distance ; and if there 

 is an objection to planting Dwarfs among the Standards, and it is still thought 

 desirable to cover the ground below during summer, this may be accomplished by 

 planting Annuals, such as, Mignonette, Viscaria oculata, Campanula stricta, and 

 any others of slender growth. These cannot injure the Roses : in hot dry sea- 

 sons we believe they prove beneficial, by the partial shade they afford; but they 

 should be planted very thinly, and those kinds chosen which are of the most 

 slender growth. When Dwarf Roses only are planted, from one to three feet, 

 according to the vigour of the kinds, is the distance usually chosen. 



A few words on arranging plants in single beds may not be misplaced here. 

 We first take the centre of the bed, where we place the tallest plant, and which 

 should be a robust grower, an abundant bloomer, and an attractive Rose. In 

 reference to this plant, whatever may be the shape or size of the bed, the others 

 are disposed. They should incline gently from it in any or every direction, till 

 the plants at the edge be on very short stems or perfect dwarfs. An inclination 

 of one foot and a half, from one row to another, admits of a very pretty arrange- 

 ment. Supposing the centre plant to be five feet, the next row may be three feet 

 and a half, the next two feet, and so on. Let it be borne in mind, that the 

 strongest growers should be planted nearest to the centre ; and in consequence of 

 their more vigorous growth, greater space should be allowed from plant to plant 

 there than at the circumference of the bed, where the smaller growers are planted. 

 When the holes are opened for planting, throw a little manure in the bottom, and 

 mix it with the soil there; then place the plant in the hole, filling in with the 

 manure and soil laid ready above, treading them firmly about the roots. After 

 planting, give each Standard a stake, to secure it from the action of the wind, and 

 the operation is finished. Be it remarked, that planting deep causes Roses to throw 

 suckers : if the roots are from three to six inches under the soil it is quite enough. 



