Overview
EXQUISITE BEAUTY and INTOXICATING FRAGRANCE, WAITING to be REDISCOVEREDThe search for the perfect rose has come full circle, as more and more gardeners are falling in love with the heirloom treasures known as Old Roses—those long-lived, disease-resistant, easy-to-grow and historic cultivars introduced before 1901.
Written by Clair G. Martin, one of the world's pre-eminent rosarians and author of 100 English Roses for the American Garden, here is a book that demystifies the care and raising of Old Roses. It covers the essentials, including selecting, planting, mulching and weeding, pruning and deadheading. Then, following the basic hands-on, comes a stunning, full-color field guide to 100 varieties best suited for American gardens. Gallicas, Damasks, Portlands and Bourbons, Albas and Teas—it is paradise regained.
Synopsis
As he did for English Roses in 100 English Roses for the American Garden, the preeminent rosarian Clair G. Martin demystifies the world of Old Roses-those hardy, fragrant, versatile, and historic roses introduced before 1901. The first section presents the different classes of Old Roses-Gallicas and Damasks, Portlands and Bourbons and Albas and more-and describes the essentials of selecting, planting, watering, pruning, training, feeding, and disease control. Following is a field guide to 100 varieties best suited for American gardens. Each rose is stunningly photographed by Saxon Holt, and each entry includes a detailed description of the cultivar, along with its often colorful history ('Autumn Damask' was listed by Virgil; 'Old Blush,' ubiquitous in California gold rush country cemeteries, was influential in creating modern reblooming roses) and information on availability, fragrance, uses, stature and habit, hardiness, and time of bloom.
Internet Book Watch
Saxon Holt's color photos embellish nearly every page of this gardener's guide to old rose varieties. Unlike many rose books which assume prior knowledge, this advises a range of gardeners with details on the rose's growing needs and methods accompanying the fullpage color photo of its flower. Highly recommended: 'the' pick if only one or two rose books were to be included in a home gardening collection.
Editorials
Saxon Holt's color photos embellish nearly every page of this gardener's guide to old rose varieties. Unlike many rose books which assume prior knowledge, this advises a range of gardeners with details on the rose's growing needs and methods accompanying the fullpage color photo of its flower. Highly recommended: 'the' pick if only one or two rose books were to be included in a home gardening collection.
Todd Meier
Like other Smith and Hawken guides, this one is easy to read and full of information. In addition to a complete section on culture and care, the book offers the author's insight and knowledge gained from growing each rose. Saxon Holt's seductive photography makes these roses seem to jump off the page.—Fine Gardening