Quotes from Maggie Oster

Shrub roses readily create broad, informal hedges. Grandifloras make tall, narrow ones, while floribundas are best for low hedges. Space plants 24 inches

inches between each plant and 18 inches between each row. Prune heavily after planting to encourage

plantings. These are great for decks or entranceways. Miniatures can grow in pots as small as

wide. Containers should have drainage holes. Use a soil-less potting mix and feed and water frequently. In cold climates, container-grown plants

There are a few people who have the wonderful garden loam that is described in books and magazines. One is more likely to have a soil that is predominantly clay or sand. If you live in a subdivision

Fortunately, soil can be helped with additives and fertilizer. If you have not gardened previously or are on a new site, have your soil tested by a laboratory. Call your County Extension

county offices in the phone directory) for information on how and where to take a soil sample. The results will tell you about the soil, including

grow best in a slightly acid soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. The lab or extension office will be able to provide information on how to raise or lower the pH, if

Usually upright-growing, bush roses need no support and grow from less than six inches to over six feet tall, depending on the variety and climate. Bush roses are further subdivided into five categories: hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora, miniature, and heritage, or old, roses.

recommendations

complicated pruning techniques. In reality, roses are no more difficult to grow than any other shrub or flower. But just as other plants need some

roses are no more difficult to grow than any other shrub or flower. But just as other plants need

roses are no more difficult to grow than any other shrub or flower. But just as other plants need some care and attention, so do roses. A basic

roses. They are considered the ultimate flower to give as a gift, especially the classic red ones. Their special scent is a part of many of our perfumes.

Their special scent is a part of many of our perfumes. Photos or paintings of roses grace calendars, cards and advertisements. Poets and songwriters frequently use the romantic symbolism

plants that are growing well, then no special preparation is needed. For a newly planted area, first remove any sod. Next, till or dig the soil to a depth of

roses can be a valuable addition to the landscape. No other shrub can bloom

Bare-root, dormant roses are planted in early spring, when the soil is workable and severely freezing weather is over. In milder climates, bare-root

rose society is a good way to meet these people. By joining the American Rose Society you gain access to rose gardeners and information both locally

P.O. Box 30,000, Shreveport, LA 71130-0030. For $2.50 plus shipping from the same address, a yearly-updated "Handbook for Selecting Roses" can be

Also available locally are roses planted in containers and actively growing. These have the advantage

are more expensive and there are fewer varieties from which to choose. Check the canes and foliage for health and vigor. Once

numerical rating from 1 to 10. Based on these ratings, some of the best roses in each of the categories are: Hybrid

P.O. Box 30,000, Shreveport, LA 71130-0030. For $2.50 plus shipping from the same address, a yearly-updated