Maman Cochet is one of the finest tea 
roses. The color is pink, but there is also a White Maman Cochet 
Making a Rose Garden 
SUGGESTIONS FOR THE SELECTION OF A SITE, PREPARATION OF THE SOIL, 
CHOICE OF TYPES AND VARIETIES—THE ESSENTIALS OF ROSE CULTURE 
by Russell Fisher 
Photographs by Nathan R. Graves and Charles Jones 
W ITH all the difficulties that the amateur is sure to encounter 
in growing roses—and we must be frank in admitting that 
they are numerous — the results will well repay the effort. One 
frequently hears of amateur gardeners who have given up growing 
roses in their discouragement, but almost invariably they decide 
in a few years to try it again. The man who once has grown a 
beautiful rose finds it almost impossible to give up trying again. 
And, after all, the dif¬ 
ficulties are not over¬ 
powering. If the amateur 
rose grower will start in 
the proper way and ob¬ 
serve a few of the main 
rules in the culture of 
roses, most of the great 
host of enemies that the 
rose possesses will not find 
a vulnerable point for at¬ 
tack. 
The first essential is 
situation — an airy but 
sheltered spot, well away 
from the roots of any trees 
and open to the morning 
sun. Given a proper situa¬ 
tion, the remaining essen¬ 
tials of good drainage; 
rich, deeply cultivated soil; and shelter, can be provided. It may 
be difficult to secure shelter from north winds and at the same 
time keep the rose garden well away from trees, but in some way 
this must be done. Remember that the root system of a tree will 
extend as far out from the base as the tree rises above ground. In 
case of necessity a masonry wall may be sunk as a barrier against 
too enthusiastic roots which would devour all of the rich food that 
the rose bed requires. 
Sinking a few planks on 
edge will accomplish the 
same result, at least for a 
time. 
Avoid low ground for 
the rose garden. It is fre¬ 
quently not so well drained 
as it should be, and then, 
there is the added danger 
from the late frosts in the 
spring, which always make 
themselves felt in the low 
places. 
Although we must have 
a rose bed before we can 
procure our rose bushes, 
it will undoubtedly be 
more interesting to take 
up the matter of selecting 
Keep the roses by themselves; they will not only thrive better, but their 
beauty seems not to be increased by comparison with other flowers 
( 333 ) 
