IN PRAISE OF SINGLE ROSES. 
145 
IN PRAISE OF SINGLE ROSES. 
By George Bunyard, V.M.H. 
After critically examining a prize box of Roses, giving full credit 
to the grower and every point to the setting up and arrangement, I 
never feel fully satisfied. 
I have been trying to analyse the sentiment, and have come to 
the conclusion that it is because the flowers are not quite perfect. 
" Not perfect," the exhibitor retorts. " Why, they have gained the 
First Prize I" " Just so, but a perfect flower should have anthers 
and pistil. Where are they ? " " Ah, I see you are more of a botanist 
than a gardener." " Perhaps so, but your fat flowers fail to hold 
me like a single Rose ; and I must call these God-made, while yours 
are man-made. The singles, to my mind, leave nothing further to 
be desired." 
My plea is that in single Roses there is perfection in form and 
outline : elegant, twisted, recurved, and cupped blossoms, pure colours 
and dainty blends ; while the jaunty way they nestle on their foliage 
suggests a butterfly resting. The central golden boss of anthers 
completes the picture, leaving a sense of satisfaction to the vision. 
The public are gradually learning to appreciate single Roses 
as well as those with two rows of petals, like that exquisite yellow 
Tea 1 Lady Hillingdon.' I propose to give a list of the best singles 
I know, with instructions for making borders of these neglected 
species and varieties, which I feel certain will please the planter and 
gain admiration from every visitor. Many come into flower by mid- 
May, and are thus doubly welcome j while even after flowering many 
have elegant foliage and fruits, with fragrance in their leaves. 
Single Roses need no special preparation of the borders, the object 
being to keep them healthy without any stimulants, and so true in 
size of flower and growth to their natural conditions. 
The border should be trenched two feet deep and be allowed to 
settle before the Roses are planted. 
Early in April the plants should be carefully cut over to induce 
a shrubby growth : and in after-years those shoots which have flowered 
should be removed, where there is enough new growth to furnish 
for next year's bloom. This and such needful cutting as is required 
to keep the bushes in shape are all that will be required with an annual 
forking over of the borders. 
I cannot name any very dwarf Roses as singles for the front rows, 
but ' Laurette Messimy ' or ' Mme. Eugene Resal ' are only semi- 
double, and, planted at one foot apart, would be appropriate, or the 
old London Pride or White Pinks look well, while at the back of the 
VOL. XLII. 
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