Roses and Rose Growing

This modest volume offers a hands‑on companion for anyone who wants to turn a modest plot into a thriving rose garden. Drawing on the author’s lifelong love of the flower and the wisdom of classic texts such as Thomas Rivers’s Rose Amateur’s Guide, the book blends personal anecdotes with proven techniques. Readers will find clear advice on choosing a site, preparing soil, and nurturing the first seedlings, all written in an accessible, conversational tone.

The guide is organized into practical sections—planting, pruning, propagating, and dealing with common pests—each illustrated with colour plates of typical garden roses collected from local nurseries and the author’s own garden. A special concluding chapter, contributed by a leading rose society vice‑president, shows how amateurs can aim for exhibition standards without the pressure of competition. Whether you are a beginner or looking to refine your hobby, the book promises steady progress and the quiet pleasure of watching roses bloom.