CHAPTER X 

 ROSES PLANTED UNDER GLASS 



WE have as yet made but the briefest reference to roses planted 

 permanently in the houses, but we feel they call for some special 

 attention. Being a permanent crop it is a matter of supreme 

 importance that the very best should be obtained from it. Con- 

 siderable thought should be given to laying it out to the best 

 advantage, and as much care should be expended on the making of 

 the borders as though they were intended for vines or peaches. 

 The old soil, if unsuitable, should be bodily removed to the depth 

 of 18-24 inches and a new compost prepared. The drainage is 

 the first consideration, brick rubble and sherds being far better 

 material than cold, unsympathetic clinkers and stones. In making 

 this drainage we are, in effect, taking out a policy against mildew, 

 canker, and other ills that roses are subject to, so it is very essential 

 that this should be done thoroughly. 



If the soil has been removed to the full 24 inches we consider 

 that 6 inches of drainage material is not too much, but if taken out 

 to the ordinary 18-20 inches, more than 4 inches of drainage will 

 not be necessary. Less than that would not suffice, for the compost 

 we are about to recommend will be on the heavy side and retentive 

 in character, so that effective drainage is a vital matter. 



Immediately over the drainage flags of turf should be laid, and 

 on these 4 inches of half decayed cow manure, then about 20 inches 

 of compost to allow an inch or two for settling down into place. 

 This compost, based on a calculation of ten parts, will consist of : 

 6 fibrous greasy loam containing an element of clay ; 2 well-rotted 

 cow manure ; i decomposed leaf soil, and i made up in equal 

 portions of coarse sand, mortar rubble, J-inch bones, and ashes 

 from burnt spear grass or other vegetable refuse. This forms a 

 well-balanced compost replete with nitrogen, potash, and phos- 

 phates, and of a texture well proven to be acceptable to the rose. 



The time to set about preparing a house for roses is during 

 October, so that all may be complete and ready for planting quite 

 early in November. Given a week or ten days in which the compost 



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