ROSES 



A GOOD start in Rose-growing means future success. Many 

 failures in gardening are simply the result of beginning in an 

 unreasonable way, thinking nothing perhaps of the soil, the 

 varieties, whether they are vigorous, free, or the reverse, and 

 the treatment necessary to ensure a happy life. The Rose is 

 the flower of the English garden, and its value increases as we 

 grow accustomed to the desires of the Tea-scented varieties, 

 and know something of the wonderful beauty of the climbers, 

 the Bardou Job, Carmine Pillar, and many other rambling 

 kinds that fling their flower-laden shoots over arch, pergola, 

 and pillar, and sometimes look into the window to flood the 

 house with perfume. 



The Soil is a matter of some importance, but the majority are com- 

 pelled to make the best of the garden as it is, and are not in a position 

 to bring in a large amount of fresh material. Ground that has been 

 occupied with vegetables is usually in excellent condition for Roses. The 

 best position in the garden should be given to the Roses. It is un- 

 reasonable to expect an abundant harvest of flowers from plants under 

 the shade of trees, or soil already filled with roots from a neighbouring 

 shrubbery. 



We will assume, therefore, that the bed is in the centre of the 

 garden, or some spot about which the ardent rosarian would not quarrel. 

 The Rose absolutely revels in sunshine and air, and the aspect cannot 

 be too carefully selected for the bed. A convenient size for the bed 

 would be about twenty feet long and five feet wide. This would pro- 

 vide space for about thirty Rose bushes. The preparation of the bed 

 is of first importance, and should be carried out, if possible, not later 

 than September, if autumn planting (by far the best) be adopted. 

 Unquestionably the best soil for all Roses (except those of the Tea- 

 scented and allied tribes) is a strong, rather heavy, even clayey loam. 

 In this soil the Hybrid Perpetual kinds are very happy, but if light and 

 sandy, then the Tea -scented and Hybrid Teas should predominate. In 

 making preparation for bastard trenching or double digging the bed, 

 mark out the length and width with a line. 



B 



105 



