Chapter 17 (extract 1) of "Roses for English Gardens" by Jekyll and Mawley (1902), in which Mr Mawley describes the suitable conditions for a rose garden, and how if they are not met by Nature they must be met by Man.
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Illustration: Mr Gray's Rose Garden at Beaulieu, from Foster-Melliar "The Book of the Rose" (1894)
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CHAPTER XVII
PLANTING ROSES
To hasty or otherwise improper planting may be more often traced the unsatisfactory condition of Roses in gardens large or small than to all other causes put together. The term " planting " as here used is a comprehensive one, as it is intended to include the choice of the position of the Rose garden, the preparation of the beds, as well as the actual planting of the Roses themselves. This question, then, of planting, is one of supreme importance.
Position.—The best site for Roses is an open yet sheltered one, though as little shut in by trees or buildings as may be. On the other hand it must not be too much exposed, for although Roses delight in a free atmosphere they have a great objection to be frequently swept by high winds. Shelter from the north and east is most necessary, but exposure to strong winds from almost any quarter is undesirable. Bearing these facts in mind, the position best complying with them should be chosen, and, if necessary, a high hedge or belt of trees be planted on the side where shelter is most needed. Care must however be taken that this hedge, or tree belt, is sufficiently distant from the Roses to prevent the possibility of its roots finding their way at some future time into the Rose beds. One of the best hedges for the purpose may be formed of the common Arbor-vitae, as it is of tolerably quick growth, makes an excellent screen, and its roots extend but a short distance on each side. Wherever it is possible Roses should be allowed a separate bed or beds to themselves, and not be planted with other flowers. Where it is intended to grow a large number of Rose plants, beds might with advantage be made in the virgin soil of some paddock or other piece of pasture land, such as may frequently be found adjoining country gardens.
Soil.—A deep, strong loam is the very best soil for Roses — land on which an exceptionally good crop of wheat could be grown. But as this ideal soil for a Rose garden is seldom to be found ready to hand, an endeavour must be made to supply the existing soil with those ingredients and physical qualities in which it is most deficient. For instance, should it be a stiff clay, it must, if necessary, be drained. If not so retentive as to require draining, a liberal quantity of burnt earth and long stable manure, sand, &c., must be incorporated with it. If on the other hand the existing soil be too light and porous, some heavier loam should be mixed with it, and cow instead of stable manure introduced. If on examination the soil be found not only porous but also shallow, some of the chalk, gravel, or sand beneath must be entirely removed and replaced by the heaviest soil, not absolute clay, obtainable in the neighbourhood.
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Rose planting - preparation of the rose bed, heeling in, the actual planting
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