26 
C. H. STOCKING 
Growing Roses 
We are endeavoring to give our patrons the 
choicest varieties in roses and to produce the 
best possible plants. By so doing we feel that 
growing roses will be a joy to our patrons as 
well as a great satisfaction to us. Each year 
we drop some varieties to stock some of the new 
roses which we feel will be an improvement over 
the old ones. We have tried to give you the 
faults as well as the good points as we have 
observed them in the field. All varieties are bud¬ 
ded on Odoratta root. This root stock will do well 
in nearly all sections of the United States. 
Rose Shipment 
Roses shipped by Parcel Post or Express should 
reach the purchaser in perfect condition no 
matter how far shipped. On opening package, 
if roots should be found to be dry, soak in water 
twenty-four hours, or bury entire plant in wet 
soil for two or three days. iDo not expose roots 
to sun or wind when planting. Any bruised or 
broken roots should be cut off. 
Drainage 
Roses require good drainage. If soil has poor 
drainage use several inches of coarse sand or 
gravel below where the rose is to be planted. 
Should the entire garden have poor drainage, 
tile drainage should be used. 
Soil 
Roses prefer a fairly heavy slightly acid soil, 
although they will grow in almost any well 
drained ground. They will not grow well in a 
soil where there is an excess of either acid or 
alkaline. As most of our soil in California is 
more or less alkaline, it is quite necessary to use 
some substance to acidify the soil. Sulphur at 
the rate of Vz lb. per sq. yd. twice a year is very 
beneficial. If soil is quite alkaline, use % lb. of 
aluminum sulphate per sq. yd. once a year. 
