156 FOURTH NATIONAL FLOWER SHOW 
H 
TWENTY YEARS OF ROSE GROWING IN 
AMERICA 
BY GEORGE H. PETERSON 
When one has a hobby or cherished caUing, it is most gratifying to look 
backward, and from that point forward, re\dewing the progress — ^the advance- 
ment made ^vith the passing of the years. And so, as I bring before me the 
recollections of more than twenty years in which the Rose has been so much to 
me, both as an amateur and professional grower, it is with the keenest pleasure 
that I note its ever-increasing hold upon the people of our country, not only 
those who love the flower itself, but the yearly increasing number who find that 
they can grow Roses, as well as buy them. 
It is quite generally conceded that from the time when 
'■ Homer praised its form of grace, 
Horace its richly tinted face." 
the Rose, in the floral kingdom, has held first place in the heart of mankind; 
and while for many years this countr}^' has led the world in the production of 
forcing Roses, it must be conceded also that we have been far behind European 
countries in the production of garden Roses. During the past decade, however, 
an awakening interest in outdoor Rose growing has been quite apparent, and 
it has been sho'mi that with reasonable preparation and care, we can, at least 
in certain seasons and periods of the year, grow and delight in quite as wonder- 
ful Roses as are grown under the more favorable climatic conditions of European 
countries. 
Doubtless, there are various reasons why this flower has of late taken so 
great a hold upon our hearts and interests, but it must be conceded that the 
chief contributing element is the marvelous development of the class of roses 
known as '"Hybrid Teas," a class which gives us, here in the North, continuous 
bloom from June to October, inclusive. 
Obviously, in an article of such limited length as this must necessarily be, 
I can touch but briefly upon the cultural phase of Rose gro\\-ing, but there are 
several excellent and helpful works on the subject, one of which, at least, the 
beginner should procure. The progressive professional growers of today give 
in their catalogs the most essential cultural points, and usually in simple, easily 
understood language; and while there is no "royal road" to Rose growing, 
yet, if one but starts right, he will be surprised to find how easily good Roses 
may be grown, even, where necessar}^-, within the limits of a city yard. 
