Ihe Din|[ee 6 Conard Co., West Grove, Pa. 



FOR nearly thirty years we have made Rose growing a specialty. We 

 are the pioneers in this present great industry, and since the time 

 we first sent Roses by Mail, up to the season of 1903, we have 

 grown and shipped to all quarters of the globe many million plants. 

 In the most unlikely places, in our most distant States and even in many 

 foreign countries ; in the magnificent and well-appointed gardens of the rich, 

 and in the more numerous homes of the poor, where all are fondly cherished, 

 the D. & C. Roses have been and are flourishing to-day. This article gives 

 a brief epitome of their Qulture for the benefit of amateur cultivators. Even 

 the most inexperienced should succeed in growing perfect Roses by following 

 the hints herein mentioned. ' 



D. & C. CUSTOMERS ARE THE BEST SERVED FLOWER BUYERS IN AMERICA 



:How to Proceed: 



The first and primary consideration is to buy good plants, 

 for no matter how careful and attentive one may be, good 

 results cannot come from poor stock. Buy your stock from a 

 reliable florist, and beware of him who would give you some- 

 thing for nothing. 



^Outdoor Cultivation of Roses= 



Roses may be grown to perfection in ordinary garden 

 soil. Select, if possible, the most sheltered sunny location 

 for planting, avoiding the close proximity of large trees, 

 whose dense foliage and extending roots absorb all tlie life- 

 sustaining nutrition of the ^oil ; young trees and dwarf shrub- 

 bery will not be hurtful. 



Preparation of Soil: 



Should the soil you have at disposal be naturally poor, 

 it may be made fertile by substituting a quantity of loam, 

 which can readily be obtained under the sod by the road- 

 side or from the fields. To still further enrich tlie soil, and 

 where it is accessible, add to each wheelbarrow load of loam 

 about one-third its bulk of well-rotted stable manure, also 

 some sand, if there be a lack of this constituent. Spade to a 

 depth of twelve inches, thoroughly mixing ».nd mellowing, 

 and liaving proceeded thus far, a substantial foundation for 

 future good results has been made. 



:Fertilizers: 



Fine, well-decomposed stable manure is the best fertilizer 

 for general pui poses. If this cannot be obtained, fine ground 

 bone or commercial fertilizers may be employed, but they 

 should be applied conservatively, for if used too freely they 

 are likely to injure the plants. None but such fertilizers that 

 are free from acids should be used. Manure applied in the 

 Fall will serve as a partial protection over Winter; if in the 

 spring it will be beneficial as a mulch. 



:Unpacking Plants: 



When the plants are received, if for any reason it is 

 desired to defer immediate planting, place the plants in the 

 cellar or any moderately warm place, protect from sun. set 

 them upright, admitting the free circulation of air, and water 

 freely from time to time. A slight covering of soil around 

 the roots will be beneficial. Should they have a withered 

 appearance, caused by an unusual delay in transit (which 

 seldom occurs), soak them in lukewarm water for an hour or 

 so before planting, to restore their vitality. 



:Planting: 



The best time to plant is during the Spring or early 

 Summer months. Those who wish to plant early should 

 observe the liomely rule of waiting until after corn-plant- 

 ing time. If you are so .situated that you have no means 



