The Colorado statesman., 1919-05-31

ment of Agriculture)
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 fieral
candidates. Not only does "the queen
of flowers" possess beauty of form and
color together with delicious fragrance,
but a 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 eliml-
mated If varieties suitable to the ell
mate soil and location are chosen.
Roses will grow and give good re-
turns in any fertile, well-drained
ground, but If the highest quality is
desired it 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-
llzers, ground bone is excellent to add
as additional food, but will not answer
as n 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 If drainage is imperfect i'm
prove It by putting six inches to one
foot of broken stones cinders or any
rough material in the bottom and pro-
TO Fill II with
a mixture of soil and manure. 1t Is
better to make the beds some time in
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 as soon as
possible after 1t arrives. If 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 the permanent location with roots
thoroughly covered. no matter how
short the distance. More plants are
Killed by undue exposure of roots at
planting time than from any other
cause.
Plant u 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
lbe several inches larger across than
the roots will extend and ample In
ldepth. with a 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
tf the roots have been soaked before
planting. After planting do not water
unless very dry weather follows and
take care even then not to overdo 1t
till after growth starts.
When and How to Prune.
Roses should be planted far enough
apart to reach maturity without crowd
dng. At time of planting one-half to
two-thirds of the wood should be re-
moved. Az far as practical, after cut
ting weak branches and canes which
are too long, cut out whole branches
rather than to cut Off ends. After the
first 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, Bengals, Bourbons and Chinas
are the roses available for cut flowers.
There is multitude of varieties and
everyone should be able to find some
% his liking. The selection of vari-
etIes is best made after consultation
with nearby growers or nurserymen
who are familiar with local conditions.
The size or age of the plant is largely
matter of choice. Three-year-old
plants give the quickest results. TWO
year-old plants transplant better than
older ones and are rather more salts
FACTORY. Cultivation should begin early
and continue till within six weeks of
the dormant season. At the first cult
walton in the spring the winter manure
mulch should be worked into the soil,
or a good coating of manure specially
applied. The first cultivation should
be deep to incorporate the manure
with the soil.
Insects Attack Roses.
Insects which commonly affect roses
are of two general types, those which
eat the foliage and those which suck
the sap. For the first, a poison sprayed
on both surfaces of the leaves is ef-
fectual for most kinds.