The ranch. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1902-1914, 1912-04-15
Hdviee on Rose Culture
By Eta M. Marshall, Kent.

beautiful growing things with which
our gardens are enriched, the rose
still holds her majestic title of Queen,
and all her subjects are proud to do
her honor. To encourage the Queen
to set up her throne in their gardens
is the ambition of almost all flower
lovers, and these few first principles
of successful rose growing are here
given in the hope that they may en-
courage more general culture OF the
flower by pointing out how easily 1t
may be grown in your own garden.
First would say be careful what
you buy, always selecting strong,
vigorous, one or two year old 'feld
grown plants, from we'll establish
ed firm, that you know is reliable.
Second Never buy "thumb pot
plants' from Eastern lighthouses,
however, if you must buy some of
YOUR plants from Eastern nurseries,
always select the plants from three or
four inch pots, and plant these in
April or May. If you are buying
dormant field plants, the first of
December or March is the time for
planting, however you must use your
own judgment about this, as no hard
and fast rule can be given, as the
weather conditions vary so much on
the Pacific Coast.
Where to plant-Select a sheltered,
sunny location, keeping your rose
garden away from large trees, young
trees and shrubbery are not harmful
to the rose. Dean Hole, a great rose
expert says: 1.-THE garden must
not be in any exposed location. 1t
must have shelter but not shade. NO
boughs may darken, no drip may
%C mob no
Unpacking the plants When the
plants are received. if for any reason
it is desired to defer immediate plant
ing, place the plants in the cellar or
any moderately warm place; protect
from the sun, place them upright
admitting the full circulation OF air
and water freely from time to time
A slight covering of soil around the
roots will be beneficial. Soak the
roots in luke-warm water or thin mud
for an hour or SO before planting to
restore their vitality.
Soil and planting Any good garden
soil is suitable, that with good
loamy subsoil being the best. Dig
the ground to a depth of at least
eighteen inches, pulverizing we'll the
soil and mix plenty of old, we'll
rotted manure with it. In case OF
budded roses, place the union OF the
stock with the bud about three inches
below the surface. Spread the roots
out carefully not allowing manure to
come in contact with them Tread in
firmly then fill in with the remain
ing soil.
Watering = After planting water
freely, and if the sun be strong, pro-
tect them for a few days with cover
ing of newspapers or any suitable
material. Cut off all withered wood
or foliage; water judicionsly every
evening until they show signs of
having become established. Do not
plant if the ground is wet, as the soil
will become baked and thus endanger
the safety of the plants During the
presence of protracted drouth, the
plants should be watered daily In the
evening. little care and fore
thought exercised when the plants are
small will have their reward in great,
sturdy, vigorous bushes in a wonder
fully short time.
Manure-Old COW manure is the
best fertilizer for roses, and after the
plants become established they are
gross feeders. To obtain the best
results an occasional drenching at the
roots with weak liquid manure is
essential, especially after the buds
are formed and during their develop
ment. In the late autumn when the
ground is dry, apply surface dress
ing of manure, which after remain
ing through the winter should be
spaded-in the following spring.