The Encyclopedia of Roses: An Organic Guide to Growing and Enjoying America's Favorite Flower

The most comprehensive, current, and easy-to-use manual available includes step-by-step instructions, along with striking full-color photographs, for growing and caring for more than two hundred species of roses, without the use of chemicals. Organic Gardening Main.

McKeon's extensive guide contains detailed descriptions of 175 roses, each entry presenting a color photograph and information on parentage, date of introduction, and USDA plant hardiness zone. Each rose is also described in terms of color, height, habitat, flower form, and foliage. McKeon goes on to explain different types of roses and gives advice on selecting plants, choosing a site, and planting and maintenance. The finished book, which will be a main selection of the Organic Gardening Book Club, will have more than 200 color illustrations. George Cohen

Roses are popular, as are books on roses, but this entry stands up well to the competition. On general cultural information, it scores as well or better than other "rose encyclopedias" like Sterling Macoby's Ultimate Rose Book (LJ 11/1/93) or The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Roses, edited by Mary Moody (Timber Pr., 1992); it also outshines quick guides like Cathy Wilkinson Barash's Roses (Bk. Sales, Inc., 1991) in the number of cultivars described. The first third of the book is a guide to rose care: siting, selection, planting, and pruning. Organic pest and disease control is stressed. Following are lists of cultivars for specific purposes and suggestions for seven types of garden designs including roses. The remainder of the volume features portraits of 175 roses, with parentage, USDA hardiness, description, culture, disease and pest problems, and suggestions for incorporating the rose into general garden design. A source list is the only omission. Recommended for novice and experienced gardeners.?Molly Newling, Piscataway P.L., N.J.
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