NEW GUIDE TO ROSE CULTURE. 



WINTER PROTECTION OF ROSES. 



In localities where tender Roses have to be taken in-doors over winter, they can be kept nicely in 

 the following manner: Take them up as late in the season as safe, cut off the tops within six inches 

 of the ground, and pack the roots in a box of nice mellow soil well finned down, place the box near 

 a window in a light airy cellar, or some similar position, water occasionally during the winter, but 

 only when absolutely necessary', as dormant plants require but little water ; set out in open ground as 

 early in spring as weather is suitable. 



"Wintering" in a Pit. — ^lany persons are very successful in wintering tender Roses, and other 

 half hardy plants, in a pit. A pit is made by digging out a space in the ground like a cellar. It should 

 be sunk four or five feet deep in Axy well drained ground, and if possible in a sunny or sheltered situa- 

 tion; the sides may be walled from the bottom with stone, brick or boards, six inches or a foot higher 

 than the surface of the ground outside, and nicely banked up all around. The pit should be tightly 

 roofed, or covered in part at least, with glazed sash, so arranged as to be easily raised at one end to 

 admit air. Plants can be set in pots, or planted in the bottom; if the latter, good soil should be put in 

 for the purpose. Roses from open ground should not be taken in till danger of severe freezing, 

 moderate cold will not hurt them. When ready, take up carefully, cut off at least one-half the tops, 

 and plant nicely in the bottom of the pit, taking care to firm the earth tightly on the roots. As the 

 plants are not to grow much, they may be set quite close ; water thoroughly when first put in, but 

 afterwards, only when dry ; keep moderately close for a few days at first, and afterwards give air freely 

 in fine weather. This is important for the health of the plants. If desirable the pit may be made 

 large enough to admit of your going in occasionally and examining them. Keep a sharp lookout for 

 insects, &c. 



When it is desired to presers^e plants over winter without removal, it can be done by either of the 

 following methods, which can be varied at the pleasure and convenience of the operator. In winter pro- 

 tection, there are a few observations that should be kept steadily in view. 1st. Do not give too -much 

 protection; this is worse than not enough. 2d. Defer covering for winter as late as possible ; moderate 

 freezing is not injurious. 3d. Uncover at the proper time in the spring; just when this is, it is 

 difficult to direct, as it must depend on the locality, the weather, and the season. It should, of course, 

 not be done until the frost has entirely left the ground, and the growing season is at hand. If the 

 plants have but a slight protection, such as evergreen boughs or straw, a few days earlier or later will 

 not make much difference; but if covered closely they are in a condition to be more easily injured 

 by sudden changes in the temperature, or drying winds, and should, therefore, not be uncovered until 

 there is a prospect of reasonably settled weather; and even then it is well to cut off at least one-half 

 the last season's growth, in order to guard against too rapid evaporation. 



To cover ■witll straw or evergreen boughs, if set singly, drive a stake firmly by the 

 side of the plant, tie it nicely to the stake, then take straight straw or boughs of a suitable size, stand 

 them neatly and closely around, and bind firmly together. If the plants are in a bed, give a covering 

 of straw or leaves, that will be four to six inches thick when settled, then put boughs thickly and 

 neatly over the whole, or boughs will answer very well alone, or leaves alone, if means are taken to 

 keep them from blowing off. 



Another Plan. — Take an old box or barrel, knock out the top and bottom, turn it over the 

 plant and fill loosely with leaves, clean straw or small evergreen branches. A free circulation of air 

 is desirable, the object is not to keep the plant warm, but to break the force of sudden and violent 

 changes of temperature, bright sunshine, and cold drying winds. Never put any material in contact 

 with the plant that will ferment, heat or rot, or that will retain water and become wet and soggy. 



To protect "with earth, bend the plant down to the ground, and cover with fine soil, six 

 inches or a foot deep, or cover the whole bed six inches deep with earth. Covering with earth is only 

 recommended for regions of severe and protracted cold, where nothing else will save the plants. 

 WTien the covering is removed in the spring and the plants pruned, the bed should be nicely dug over 

 and dressed, after which no further attention is necessary, except to keep it clear of weeds and grass; 

 with this treatment the plants will be literally covered with Roses during the whole season. 



