HARDY BORDERS AND ROSE GARDENS 213 



tion it deserves in our gardens. No garden is complete without 

 some of this queen among tlowers. 



ROSE GARDEN DESIGNS 



For the best effect Roses should be planted in mass and in this 

 way they can be shown to greater advantage in a garden of formal 

 outhne. The design (Fig. 167) may vary greatly, depending on 

 the garden location, individual taste, and the space at hand, but 

 the beds should always be narrow with larger turf area. Gardens 

 built on several levels should have one level reserved for Roses (Fig. 

 136). Gardens built all on the same level should have the Roses 

 in the outside beds with the perennial beds toward the center. 



POSITION 



The Rose garden should be on high ground in an open situation 

 that will allow an abundance of sunshine and a free circulation of 

 air (Fig. 168). The garden should not be too close to large trees, 

 the roots of which extend for some distance. A southeastern expo- 

 sure is the best. 



BEDS 



Experience has taught us that Roses thrive best in narrow beds 

 not more than twelve inches wide, (though up to three feet is prac- 

 tical,) with a turf path from two feet six inches to three feet wide 

 between each bed (Fig. 167). The plants should be placed from 

 twenty-four to thirty inches apart. It is a great mistake to plant 

 Roses too far apart, a good average distance being twenty-four 

 inches. 



The broad turf area forms a pleasing setting for the Roses, quite 

 in contrast with the usual broad beds, which are unsightly, impractical 

 for the proper care of the plants, and a source of great aggravation 

 when gathering the flowers. 



PREPARATION OE BEDS 



The beds should be very carefully prepared if the best results are 

 to be obtained. This is even more important than a good selection 

 of varieties. Roses like fertile, well drained soil, at least eighteen 

 inches deep. If the soil is very heavy, affording poor drainage to 

 the plants, the beds should be dug out deep and crushed stone or 

 cinders placed in the bottom to carry off the excess. Although 

 Roses should be in well drained soil they do not thrive vigorously 



