22 HOW TO GROW ROSES 



Staking the Roses 



Standard or Tree roses, unless extraordinarily sturdy and 

 planted where they are protected from the winds, will be the 

 better for staking. The stake should come well up to the 

 head of the roses. Place it while planting, for if it is driven 

 later it may injure an important root. Bush roses seldom 

 need staking when planted, although this is a matter for atten- 

 tion according to the needs of individual varieties. Plants 

 should never be permitted to sway about or become loose at 

 the collar. If the sun be warm within the next day or two 

 after you plant, the bush will be the better for being shaded, 

 -as well as for mulch about the roots. 



Labeling 



Rose-growing with labels is by far the most delightful 

 kind. You lose half the pleasure if you lose the names, to 

 say nothing about the satisfaction of accumulating infor- 

 mation. The importance of labeling is really great. Do it 

 when you plant as a part of the operation; otherwise, it is 

 likely to be overlooked. The growers' labels are not likely to 

 last more than one season, and then it becomes dreadfully 

 embarrassing not to know what to call your plant-children, 

 whether you want to scold or caress them. Choose the label 

 with fewest faults. 



Copper Labels 



These are made of light sheet copper, eyeleted and ., 

 wired ready to use as soon as the name of the plant 

 is inscribed. The copper labels are very light, and 

 are therefore most suitable for hanging on the 

 branches of your roses in a conspicuous place, not 

 to be disturbed until you begin your pruning. 

 Then, if necessary, remove them to some other part 

 of the plant not in danger from your shears. But 

 any type of label that must be wired on the bush 

 may constrict and check the life of the stem or 

 branch on which it hangs. Therefore, a better way IJLJ 



