Summary: Many people follow plant culture instructions without stepping back and asking themselves what is different or the same in their growing environment. Every ever-increasing area has its own “micro-climate” of conditions. In most cases, people tend to follow the ninth-degree culture directions that they read or hear about that others give. This growing method … Read more
Somewhere in a rose-growing country, the season will prove to be one of the worst for blackspot in recent years. This can often be attributed to a very early and warm spring that produces the early growth of roses and blackspots. It greatly emphasizes the importance of spraying early. Gardeners who began their spray programs … Read more
Do you remember the clumps of primroses in grandmother’s garden? There was a plant with creamy yellow blooms, another double white, like a miniature rose, and a third with flowers on an upright stalk, red petals edged with gold. As time went on, primroses were lost or discarded in many gardens to make room for … Read more
Question: We live in the northeast and could use some tips on caring for our roses in this colder climate. Maria, Worcester Massachusetts Answer: Most home gardeners living in the latitude of northern Vermont do not expect to grow hybrid teas 5′ to 6′ feet tall. In fact, the idea is abroad that in climates … Read more
The Nicholas Sweetbriar Rose is no “Johnny come lately,” but a rose of ancient lineage, a consort of king and commoner, of lords and ladies, and a native of Europe that has spread across the world. This is the Eglantine rose of Shakespeare and Elizabeth I, given the scientific name Rosa eglanieria by Linnaeus. It … Read more
Since the advent of the floribunda roses, a new field of usefulness has been opened for the rose family. A very potent medium for the Summer round colorful decoration of the home grounds has been placed in the hands of the landscape designer and planter. With the multitudes of flowers produced by each plant in … Read more
“Of all flowers, I think a rose is best,” said Emilia in Two Noble Kinsmen. This has been man’s sentiment since he first began to garden. The rose has a variety of colors, scents, forms, and landscape value for any taste. There may be no other plant giving more pleasure. The problem is that most … Read more
Those who live in USDA hardiness zones 11 to 12 often don’t have to worry about overwintering their gardens. However, keeping plants alive and healthy throughout the cold months can be something of a challenge for the rest of us. Care requirements tend to be quite different while the plant goes through a dormant phase. … Read more
Not all of our “Best” ornamentals come from the Orient, and this beautiful native American rose is proof of that. A native from Newfoundland to Virginia and westward to Missouri, roses will grow almost anywhere if a reasonable amount of nutrients and moisture are in the soil. When roses are mentioned, many gardeners think only … Read more
Almost every month in the year, someone moves from one home to another or moves rose plants from one garden to another. Many plants are left behind, but many more are killed because they were not appropriately moved. While there are several lines of thought about how to grow and move bushes, every day, I … Read more