SOME OF THE BEST HARDY 

 ROSES, 



WITH BRIEF HINTS AS TO CULTURE. 



[Published in the Rural New Yorker, January, 1881.'] 



I know of no hardy plants which will render a garden more interesting 

 and attractive than a choice collection of roses. There are many persons 

 who suppose that rose culture is exceedingly difficult, and who for this 

 reason are unwilling to attempt it. This is an error, and the object of this 

 article is to demonstrate how easily the rose may be grown, as well as to 

 call attention to some of those varieties which are. best adapted for general 

 cultivation. 



Location. 



One of the principal requisites of the rose is a genial situation. We 

 should select the best spot in our garden ; a place which is protected from 

 bleak, cutting winds, and sheltered from the full force of a mid-day or after- 

 noon's sun. Too much shade must be avoided, as well as proximity to 

 hedges or overhanging trees. An eastern aspect, 'where the full benefit of 

 the morning sun may be obtained, is the best. A hedge, wall or fence on 

 the north, south and west sides will afford the necessary shade and shelter. 

 Fences and walls, usually unsightly, may be rendered very ornamental by 

 covering them with climbing vines and running roses. S. Reynolds Hole, 

 the well-known rosarian, says: "The rose garden must be both exposed 

 and sheltered, a place both of sunshine and of shade. The center must be 

 clear and open, around it the protecting screen. It must be a fold wherein 

 the sun shines warmly on the sheep and the wind is tempered to the shorn 

 lamb a haven in which the soft breeze flutters the sail, but over which the 

 tempest roars, and against whose piers the billow hurls itself in vain." 



To secure the best results our roses should be kept together and planted 

 in rows in a prepared border, or in beds; when scattered about the garden 

 it is difficult to give them the care which they require. If we are content 

 with moderate results, we can plant them here and there in the garden, 

 where they will produce a fine effect; but we must not expect such fine 

 blooms as can be obtained from those plants which have the benefit of rich 

 soil and shelter. 



Soil. 



It is absolutely necessary that the soil should be well drained. The rose 

 is a great feeder and luxuriates in a rich, stiff loam, such as is found in a 

 well cultivated garden. If the soil is sandy and light, it should be made 

 heavier by the addition of cow manure, clay or loam. If too heavy and 

 stiff, lime, leaf mould and stable manure should be applied. 



