PROTECTING THE ROSES 29 



"It will be seen by the method of winter-protection herein 

 described that our aim was to prevent, if possible, thawing 

 after frost had set in; to protect the plants from the drying 

 effects of the strong winds, without preventing the free cir- 

 culation of air. We have employed the same method of pro- 

 tection ever since, and generally we have been successful in 

 bringing the plants through winter in very good condition." 

 (Article, "The Minneapolis Municipal Rose-garden in 

 Lyndale Park," by Theodore Wirth, in "The American Rose 

 Annual," 1916, pages 79, 80.) 



Protecting Tree roses over winter is most important. 

 Set up a box about 2 feet square, and high enough from 

 the ground to encase the head, and fill this with soil to cover 

 all but the topmost branches. No part needs protection 

 more than the point where stock and branches join. Another 

 method is to loosen the earth on two sides of the plants 

 so they may easily be bent over without breaking anything 

 and then, when staked to the ground, cover with 6, 8 or more 

 inches of earth till danger of frost is past in spring, when 

 they may again be reinstated and restaked. In some loca- 

 tions it may prove quite as convenient, and equally effec- 

 tive, to take up the plants entire, and bury them in a trench 

 in the vegetable garden. 



Protecting Roses from Enemies 



Eternal vigilance is the price of perfect flowers, because 

 "prevention is better than cure." Vigorous, healthy plants 

 are seldom troubled much. 



The two golden rules to remember, says Mr. Edward 

 Mawley, Secretary of the National Rose Society of England, 

 are these: "Keep sharp watch out for the first appearance of 

 insect or fungoid pests and adopt measures for destruction 

 at once. Then persevere with the remedy adopted until a 

 cure has been effected." 



Our Lady Rosa likes cleanliness above all things, and will 

 respond generously to these attentions. Keep your roses 

 clean and healthy and they are almost certain to be happy. 



