ROSES 



Everyone who has a garden naturally wishes to grow 

 Roses, and given enthusiasm and perseverance there is 

 no situation where some Roses at least may not be 

 grown. In large towns, especially manufacturing towns, 

 there is considerable difficulty in growing Roses, though 

 even here the selection of the most suitable kinds and 

 the proper preparation of the soil will work wonders. An 

 important part of the culture of Roses in towns consists 

 in the daily use of the syringe in the growing season, so 

 that the leaves may be kept clean and their pores open. 

 The work of the syringe may sometimes require to be 

 supplemented by the use of a soft sponge for removing 

 soot from the leaves. Even where it is found almost 

 impossible to grow Roses in the open air they may 

 be still enjoyed under glass. As to situation, most 

 gardeners are more or less limited in their choice. 

 Low-lying, damp situations should, however, be avoided 

 if possible, for it is certain that the same amount of frost 

 in the bottom of a valley is more injurious than on 

 higher ground, where the air is dryer. In order to 

 succeed, Roses must have a free circulation of air, abund- 

 ance of sunshine, and yet shelter from strong winds. 

 Especially must they be protected from north-east winds 

 in spring, and in the summer protection from the south- 

 west is little less important. If no wall exists hedges 

 should be planted on the west and north sides of the 

 rose-garden. These should be allowed to grow to the 

 height of six or seven feet, and dwarf hedges of sweet- 

 briar or other low-growing shrub should be formed on 



35 



