^HE ROSE.... 
“Queen of Flowers 
HEROINE OF LEGEND, HISTORY, AND SONG 
ft 
T HE Rose has been treasured since men 
began to appreciate beauty, in the dim dawn 
of civilization. 
In Greek mythology, the Rose was held sacred 
to Eros (Cupid) and Aphrodite (Venus). It was 
considered the emblem of love and joy. 
The Romans placed the Rose over the doorway 
when a feast was in progress. Whoever passed 
under the Rose was held in honor bound not to 
reveal what transpired. Even today, whatever is 
told in strict confidence is said to be sub rosa 
(under the rose). 
In history, as in legend, the Rose has played 
a prominent role. 
The houses of Lancaster and York both had 
Roses in their heraldry. Richard, Duke of York, 
was a contestant for the throne of Henry VI, 
claiming superior rights through descent. He and 
his followers adopted the white Rose as a badge. 
The House of Lancaster, which supported Henry 
VI, adopted the red Rose to distinguish them from 
their foes. There followed “The Wars of the 
Roses” which drenched the soil of England with 
the blood of its finest manhood. 
All the poets have sung of Roses. Generations 
of devoted rosarians have given their lives to the perfecting of new races and varieties. 
We ourselves have devoted 35 years, a full generation, to the growing and dis¬ 
semination of superior Rose plants. 
This heritage of the ages, the modern Rose at its best, may be yours. It will be 
our pleasure to help you enjoy to the full its marvelous beauty of form and color and 
its delightful fragrance. 
No matter what your previous experience has been, we are confident that you can 
succeed wonderfully with Peterson Roses, if you will follow the simple and clear 
instructions given in this book (pages 27, 28, and 29). 
We make it possible for you to have the finest, long-stemmed Rose beauties in 
your garden and for home decoration. Think of Peterson Roses as the jewels of your 
garden, gems of surpassing loveliness. 
There is a sort of free-masonry among Rose-lovers, and we look on those who 
purchase and plant our Roses as something more than customers; they are our friends 
and fellow workers in the creation of beauty. 
He who plants a rose plants Beauty; 
He who waters it until it grows 
A radiant, throbbing thing of poignant glory, 
Serves mankind—Oh, much better than he knows. 
—Grace Noll Crowell, in Good Housekeeping 
Let’s be friends and co-workers! 
Climbing Rose, Dr. Huey 
See page 22 
