60 VILLA GARDENING pArt i 



CHAPTER XI 



THE ROSEKY 



In some gardens this only forms an adjunct to the other depart- 

 ments, in others the Rose is the dominant flower, monopolising 

 most of the time and thought of the cultivator. Where one has the 

 time and the space to gather together all the known species of the 

 Rose, cross and intermarry them, and sow the seeds, a most inter- 

 esting progeny may be raised ; or, if the numbers are embarrassing, 

 select the most distinct families and try to originate a new race. 

 If intelligently and persistently worked, something would grow 

 out of it. The Rose will not flourish on a starveling diet, and 

 neither does it take kindly to formal gardens ; and yet, if one 

 wants to enjoy Roses perfectly, they must be planted so that we 

 can get to them, and this seems to imply that they should be 

 planted near the paths, or else be grown on turf, but without any 

 intervening border, or only just sufficient bare earth round each 

 plant as to do away with the necessity of mowing quite close to 

 the stem. The garden of Roses — where the Rose forms the main 

 featiure — should, I think, be in two parts. The experimental 

 portion might be away in a paddock or field, or anywhere out of 

 sight, so that the cultivator might work out his ideas in peace. 

 The show part of the Rosery would, of course, occupy a more con- 

 spicuous position. The best specimens might be planted by the 

 side of the path, either on the border or on the grass. They may 

 be ranged sometimes in groups of different sizes, with room to 

 move easily among them. The climbers and ramblers might be 

 trained over rustic arches or on walls or buildings. Some of the 

 less rampant growers may be trained to poles or employed to 

 cover screens of wire or wood. 



Standard Roses on tall stems have rather lost caste of late 

 years. Not only have they an unnatural, incongruous appearance, 

 but the plants under such conditions are shorter lived, many 

 perishing during severe winters. A few standards from 3 to 3^- 

 feet in height may be admissible as background plants, but the 

 general collection shoidd be budded or grafted close to the ground, 

 or else be obtained from cuttings. 



Position and Soil. — The Rosery must occupy a sheltered 

 situation, as cutting winds are ruinous to both flowers and foliage. 

 The best soil is a deep adhesive loam resting on clay. The site 

 must be thoroughly drained — that is, the water that falls in winter 



