The first book to focus on the best roses for today's smaller gardens! Rose expert,Mark Mattock,chooses the best varieties-offering repeat flowering,compact growth and disease resisitance-to grow in a confined space;Advice on the effective use of all types of rose,from ground cover to compact climber to stylish standard;Compelling photographic portraits of over 80 selected varieties;All about care and cultivation of roses,from planting to pruning and training.

The rose is one of the oldest flowering plants known to man and one of the most enduring and universal in its appeal. Although native to the northern hemisphere,roses are now grown in most countries of the world, including those in the southern hemisphere. Many books have been written about the history and legends of roses and all rosarians have fascinating stories to relate. The interest of this book, however,lies in the practical application of the knowledge achieved by the great gardeners and rose breeders of the past and, in particular, in the selection of types and varieties of rose for the modern gardener faced with limited space. It is fascinating to trace the process by which roses have evolved from their wild origins, first through gradual mutation and adaptation over the centuries and, more recently, through the ingenuity displayed by rose breeders in the techniques of hybridization to produce roses that meet the needs of today's small gardens.

The rose story

Early history

The evolution of modern roses

Classification of Old and Modern rose types

Roses in the small garden

Choosing roses for your garden

Planning rose beds and borders

Using Shrub roses

Using Ground Cover roses

Using standard roses

Climbing roses on walls and fences

Climbing roses on pergolas, arches and pillars

Rose hedges

Growing roses in containers

Companions for roses

A collection of roses

Hybrid Teas

Floribundas

Climbing roses

Ground Cover roses

Shrub roses

English roses

Care of roses

Soil preparation

Planting roses

Pruning roses

Feeding roses

Keeping roses healthy

Roses for special purposes

Colour schemes for roses

Useful addresses

Index of rose names

General index

Acknowledgments