Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1919-09-11
prepared by the United States Depar
ment OF Agriculturel

A
ment OF Agricuiture1
II vote were taken to ascertain the
most popular flower, without n doubt
the rose would receive a regular land
slide victory over the rest of the floral
candidates. Not only does "the queen
OF flowers" possess beauty OF form and
color together with delicious fragrance,
but rose Is equally beautiful on the
bush or cut and used for decorative
purposes. Many people are deferred
from growing and enjoying roses be
cause OF the seeming difficulties of cul-
Observation-Disclosures which are elimi-
mated II varieties suitable TO the cll-
mate. soil and location are chosen.
Roses will grow and give good re-
turns in any fertile. well-drnlned
ground, but II the highest quality is
desired II is necessary TO select an
open. sunny position. sheltered from
north winds and clear of the roots OF
trees and shrubs. A soil capable OF
growing good garden or field crops Is
suitable for roses. The best soil Is sod
from an old pasture and well-rotted
cow manure. OF the commercial ferti-
lizers. ground bone Is excellent to add
as additional food, but will not answer
as substitute for compost. Cotton
seed meal. wood ashes. lime and mu-
riate Of potash may be used. Dig out
the bed to a depth of two or three
feet, and II drainage Is imperfect I'm
prove IL by putting six inches to one
foot of broken stones. cinders or any
rough material In the bottom and pro-
viding an adequate outlet Fill II with
mixture OF soil and manure. II Is
better to make the beds some time I'm
advance Of planting to allow time for
them to settle.
Can Plant In Spring.
In some parts OF the United States
fall planting has advantages over
spring. Spring planting should be done
as soon as the ground Is dry enough
TO work, fall planting as soon as the
leaves have fallen from the trees and
bushes.
Stock should be planted az soon as
possible after ii arrives. III the plant
roots are dry when received soak
them In water an hour or more. When
ready to set the plants should be taken
to TIE permanent location with roots
thoroughly covered. no matter how
short the distance. More plants are
killed by undue exposure of roots mt
planting time than from any other
cause.
Plant n little deeper than they were
at the nursery. Trim off broken roots
and any that are too long Just before
putting into the hole. which should
be several inches larger across than
the roots will extend and ample In
depth. with little loose earth on the
bottom. Work the soil between the
separated roots with the hand. When
the roots are well covered the soil
should be firmed.
When all are planted each may be-
watered, although this Is not necessary
II the roots have been soaked before
planting. After planting do not water
unless very dry weather follows and
take care even then not to overtio 1t
till after growth starts.
When and How to Prune.
Roses should be planted far enough
apart to reach maturity without crowd
ing. At time of planting One-half 10
two-thirds Of the wood should be re-
moved. As far as practical. after cut
ting weak branches and canes which !
are too long cut out whole branches
rather than 10 cut or ends. After the
iirst year pruning should consist In re-
moving dead. dying or weak wood All
pruning of roses should be done In the
spring.
The Hybrid Perpetuals. Hybrid Teas.
Teas. Bengnls. BourhOns and Chinns
are the roses available for cut flowers.
There is multitude of varieties and {
,veryone should bc able TO find some Z
b his liking The selection OF varI-
Ties is best made after consultation
With nearby growers or nurserymeu Z
"A no are familiar with local conditions {
rhe size or age OF the plant is largely
1 matter of choice. Threc-ycar-old
plants give the quickest results. Two I
plants transplant better than ]
iiler ones and are rather more salts
'actory. Cultivation should begin early
nd continue TIL within six weeks OF !
he dormant season. At the first cultI 9
alton in he spring the winter manure y
gufch should be worked into the soil.
,r "A good coating of manure specially
applied. The first cultivation should Z
~ deep 10 incorporate the manure {
With the soil. IA
insects Attack Roses.
Insects which commonly affect roses
ire of two general types, those which
'at the foliage mnh those which suck
he sap. For the first. poison sprayed
~ both surfaces of the leaves is eff
irC;unl for most kinds.