Product Description

Ideal for would-be growers who were always afraid of roses, as well as for gardeners who already grow these beautiful flowers and want to learn more. Over 400 beautiful color photographs and 40 watercolor paintings.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #154327 in Books
• Brand: CREATIVE HOMEOWNER PRESS
• Published on: 2003-06-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Features

• Creative Homeowner Press 274055 Growing Roses Book
• CREATIVE HOMEOWNER PRESS

Review

From the Back Cover
Foolproof Guide to Growing Roses is ideal for gardeners who have been afraid to grow roses as well as for those who already grow these lovely flowers and want to learn more about them. This comprehensive book takes all the mystery out of growing these plants, but leaves the beauty. Through text and lavishly illustrated step-by-step instructions, readers learn how to select roses that are reliable in their climate. They also learn how to care for the plants easily and efficiently, how to control pests and diseases with environmentally friendly techniques, and how to prune every type of rose.
- Comprehensive descriptions of all rose classes.
- Descriptions of 80 rose varieties and cultivars.
- More than 260 beautiful color photographs and 34 watercolor paintings.
- Suggestions for companion plants that bring out the best in roses while also helping to protect them from various pests.
- Detailed discussion of soil science as it pertains to rose health.
- Two cross-referenced indexes that cover plants and topics.

About the Author
Author Field Roebuck is a lifelong gardener and avid rosarian based in Dallas, Texas. Field contributes regularly to The Dallas Morning News, The Gardener, and Neil Sperry's Gardens. His photographs have appeared in many garden books.

Customer Reviews

Finally, what I've been looking for!
My friends and family all know I'm crazy about growing roses and collecting rose books. I'm often asked for just one book that a beginner could use easily, yet still not outgrow as his experience and interest expand. I know a number of books that fill part of this need, but not all. Finally I have found one I can recommend without reservation. This book covers the range from modern roses to antiques, why to choose own root or grafted roses, how to handle diseases and pests, and how to prepare the soil. The general orientation is for organic methods, but he presents the information without being judgmental. You won't feel guilty if you spray your roses, but he'll tell you how to avoid it most of the time by choosing easy-care varieties well suited to your own climate. All this, and I haven't yet mentioned the beautiful photographs and helpful instructional drawings.

Good information, lovely photographs, attractive layout
As someone who's just getting into gardening, I was pleasantly surprised to see that this book includes sections on topics like soil evaluation and composting in addition to the expected chapters on choosing, planting, and pruning roses. Another nice aspect is that the fertilization and pest control sections emphasize organic methods, but also list others if you need them. The layout is also attractive and makes the book a pleasure to read.

Excellent photos and sound advice!
What first attracted me to this book was it's gallery of roses, the extensive chapter that describes numerous roses. After reading it, I realized that rose growing is more accessible than I thought, and I am ready to plant. Five stars!