This one's a quite readable resource.
If this wasn’t the authoritative book on roses in its time, it certainly must have come close, for The Rose Bible thoroughly covers everything we need to know about growing healthy roses in Rochester, New York—or any other place for that matter. In addition, it offers descriptions of what was dubbed “fifty immortal roses” by the author Rayford Clayton Reddell, who grew roses professionally and shared his first-hand knowledge in several other books about them. Another sign of the work’s importance is the person who wrote the conversational foreword: Martha Stewart, who was not only a domestic doyenne of her day, but also a well-educated and experienced gardener herself. Reddell, too, has a conversational, easy style and, in the preface, explains his love affair with roses as well as his intentions for this book “that roses will be grown by everyone…” Perhaps that’s why we members of the Greater Rochester Rose Society consider this one of our favorite books on roses, even though we’ve added more recent titles to our home libraries. Reddell’s tome was originally published in 1994 by Harmony Books and again in 1998 by Chronicle Books, which makes it another oldie but a goodie as far as we’re concerned. The Rose Bible begins with a detailed discussion of the evolution of the rose including European, American, Middle Eastern, and Oriental Asian species. Then it discusses in some detail antique roses to 1799 such as Gallicas, Damasks, Albas, Centifolias, and Mosses. Next is the informative chapter of what Reddell calls “the rose revolution” between 1799-1867, when repeated blooming China roses took Europe by storm and new families of roses were developed: the Chinas, Portlands, Bourbons, Hybrid Perpetuals, and Teas. Throughout The Rose Bible, there are not quite as many photographs of individual roses as there are descriptive passages of roses, yet the photos of luscious blooms and clusters are simply glorious. In addition, many of the roses depicted are in beautiful shades of pink like the ones on the cover of the 1998 edition. Reddell’s chapter on Modern Roses provides more information than what’s usually found in similar books and offers full paragraphs about dozens of Hybrid Teas, Floribundas, Grandifloras, Miniatures, and English Roses. The next section describes what the author calls “famous cousins” and again provides detailed profiles of numerous Rugosas, Noisettes, Polyanthas, Hybrid Musks, and Shrub Roses. Then, Rambling Roses, Climbers, and Ground Covers receive their own chapter filled with more of Reddell’s descriptive summaries as well as more of Robert Galyean’s gorgeous photos. Then comes Reddell’s directory of 50 roses that he has learned have “already stood, or show all likelihood of standing, the test of time.” Each of these roses is covered on its own page and is shown in a large photo and is discussed in great detail. Among the author’s choices that are our local favorites, too, are Altissimo, Angel Face, Bonica, Cecile Brunner, Dainty Bess, Double Delight, Fragrant Cloud, Gold Medal, Heritage, Iceberg, Just Joey, Medallion, Mister Lincoln, New Dawn, Peace, Queen Elizabeth, and Sally Holmes. Afterward, Reddell provides the instruction on how to give roses like these the best chance in our own gardens. His chapter on buying roses recommends bare root roses, explains grading, discusses suppliers and catalogs, and lists All-American rose winners. Then, his thorough lessons on planting cover the plant itself, its preparation, the site, and the soil among other topics. The section on maintaining roses throughout the year follows and covers—again in extensive detail—such aspects as mulching, raised beds, and the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of fertilizers. Typically overlooked topics like finger pruning, blind growth, and unwanted growth are also fully discussed. Spraying for diseases and insects is explained as are the chemicals most often used. Reddell then includes a delightful chapter on “harvesting” roses, which includes the tools and timing and locations for cutting as well as the techniques for making cut flowers last. The author offers a lengthy discussion of pruning, including timing and tools, as well as specific directions for pruning Modern Roses, Species and Antique roses, Climbing and Rambling roses, and Standards. Then more unexpected information follows: a full chapter on propagating roses as well as one on zonal differences around the U.S., their conditions, some recommendations, and appropriate care, which is especially useful with our climate here in Western New York. One shorter chapter examines “Roses in the Garden” (including companion planting and roses in containers), while another specifically covers “Climbing Roses” (including pillars, supports, and training). Equally important, both chapters are illustrated with particularly lovely photographs of the topics discussed. In the final chapter, Reddell gives his thoughts on what were then newer aspects in rose development, such as landscape roses, disease resistance, and fragrance. Before the instructive glossary and extensive list of sources, Reddell closes The Rose Bible with an epilogue that is just as personal, conversational, and narrative as his preface. From beginning to end, this informative work is a joy to read. Rayford Clayton Reddell’s most readable resource, The Rose Bible, is available at the Monroe, Penfield, and Webster libraries. For more about gardening with roses, why not consider joining us at our monthly meetings? Our programs are interesting, the refreshments plentiful, and the company convivial, and you’d be more than welcome to join us.
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Patti Dee, Archives
December 2018
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