Right Rose, Right Place

August 15, 2009
Location is often the key to success when growing roses. Garden writer and rose expert Schneider (coeditor, "Combined Rose List") grows more than 350 varieties in his Ohio garden; here, he highlights the ones that have been successful. Organized by garden use instead of by class, the book profiles roses that can stand alone in the garden as well as those that grow in harmony with other garden plants. Because his own garden is in Ohio, Schneider highlights many hardy varieties, including shrub and heritage roses. Bedding and cutting varieties, miniature roses, climbing roses, tree roses, and roses for containers are selected with an encyclopedic entry that features a color photograph, lists of basic characteristics, and a two- or three-paragraph description. A "Right Place" note indicates where the rose will perform best and how it can be used in the landscape. In the final section, "Growing Roses," Schneider discusses buying, planting, watering, fertilizing, pruning, and winter protection. Good how-to photographs demonstrate topics like transplanting a rose and pruning different types of roses. VERDICT This book will keep readers from being daunted by the prospect of rose gardening. Recommended especially for those new to rose growing.Phillip Oliver, Univ. of North Alabama, Florence

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.