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The Kew Gardener's Guide to Growing Roses: The Art and Science to Grow with Confidence (Volume 8)
This inspirational book from Kew Gardens' rose expert is the perfect guide to choosing and growing these majestic and versatile flowers.
Instantly recognisable , fragrant and evocative , roses are the quintessential garden flowers . From low-growing ground-cover roses to long-stemmed Hybrid Tea roses, multi-petalled English roses, wild roses, small shrubs for containers, climbers and ramblers, in a range of forms, colours and scents, there is a rose for every garden situation.
Combining botanical illustrations and practical advice , The Kew Gardener’s Guide to Growing Roses is the definitive introduction to growing seventy-eight beautiful roses, with full growing instructions and details on feeding, propagation and training.
Twelve garden projects , from growing from seed to preserving rose petals, will bring the wonderful world of roses to life.
This book is from the Kew Experts series, in which the top gardeners and botanical scientists from Royal Botanic Kew Gardens offer up advice and information as well as suggesting handy projects on a range of gardening topics. Other titles Companion to Medicinal Plants, Guide to Growing Bulbs, Guide to Growing Fruit, Guide to Growing Orchids, Guide to Growing Herbs, Guide to Growing Succulents and Cacti, Guide to Growing Trees, Guide to Growing Vegetables and Guide to Growing House Plants.
Instantly recognisable , fragrant and evocative , roses are the quintessential garden flowers . From low-growing ground-cover roses to long-stemmed Hybrid Tea roses, multi-petalled English roses, wild roses, small shrubs for containers, climbers and ramblers, in a range of forms, colours and scents, there is a rose for every garden situation.
Combining botanical illustrations and practical advice , The Kew Gardener’s Guide to Growing Roses is the definitive introduction to growing seventy-eight beautiful roses, with full growing instructions and details on feeding, propagation and training.
Twelve garden projects , from growing from seed to preserving rose petals, will bring the wonderful world of roses to life.
This book is from the Kew Experts series, in which the top gardeners and botanical scientists from Royal Botanic Kew Gardens offer up advice and information as well as suggesting handy projects on a range of gardening topics. Other titles Companion to Medicinal Plants, Guide to Growing Bulbs, Guide to Growing Fruit, Guide to Growing Orchids, Guide to Growing Herbs, Guide to Growing Succulents and Cacti, Guide to Growing Trees, Guide to Growing Vegetables and Guide to Growing House Plants.
- GenresGardeningNonfiction
144 pages, Hardcover
Published May 25, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 2, 2021
I am a huge rose lover and have read many rose gardening books. This one fell a little flat for me. The photos are lovely and it does give good information, but it was lacking in a few ways. For one, it is a UK-based book so it did not give zone information that is necessary for many American gardeners. As a zone 4 Minnesota gardener, if I had not known that most of the roses highlighted would die in my garden over the winter, I would have been really disappointed a year or two down the line. It also featured roses that generally are not on my all-time best lists. I ended up wondering if Kew is the brand of some of these roses or something, even though many of them are famous. Perhaps they own the trademarks or sell them? I'm not familiar with Kew, but they seem very mainstream whereas I'm more of an old rose, organic, interesting rose kind of gardener. They also left out so many of my favorites, like the Therese Bugnet that I love so much that it's in many parts of my yard and gardens (huge plant with very fragrant, fully double, light pink reblooming roses) or William Baffin (a reblooming climber with single hot pink flowers with yellow centers, that grew to our second story window). I garden organically with no amending, fertilizing or even watering (past when they are getting established) and roses like these just thrive in my garden. The ones in this book need more coddling and milder climates, which is great for those who want those sorts of roses. I have too many kids and projects to devote lots of time to my roses. This is exactly the sort of book that I would have loved when I was a new gardener and didn't know better, though, so I recommend this one to those who already know their wants and limitations, and want a lovely book full of great rose eye candy and some beautiful new varieties to try -- especially those in the UK.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review.
April 11, 2021
This is my first book about roses and I learned so much. Did I mention that I loved the cover? Isn’t it beautiful?
I’m a huge fan of roses and my husband and I go to Biltmore every year just to see the rose gardens. They’re spectacular. Just saying. Anyway I really want to start a rose garden and this gave me a great introduction. I really had no idea there were different categories/types for all sorts of gardens. The pictures were beautiful and it gives you a list of tools/supplies needed to do the job. There are even pictures of the supplies. I really liked that. This wasn’t overwhelming like I thought it might be. Instead it talked about the differences and helpful points to help you decide what you might want in your own garden.
Things talked about:
• Types of roses
• Where to buy them
• Where and when to plant
• How to plant
• Importance of staking and training
• Aftercare: mulching, fertilizers, etc.
• How to use roses in mixed beds
• How to make tea and jelly from rose hips
• Propagating (cuttings from old plant to make a new plant) in water
• Preserving rose petals
Individual roses have their own page with history, fragrance, planting methods and picture.
The last part is the “troubleshooting”. The best part of this book is to “how to” pictures. They are all throughout this and were super helpful.
Thanks to White Lion Publishing via Netgalley for this eARC. I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
I’m a huge fan of roses and my husband and I go to Biltmore every year just to see the rose gardens. They’re spectacular. Just saying. Anyway I really want to start a rose garden and this gave me a great introduction. I really had no idea there were different categories/types for all sorts of gardens. The pictures were beautiful and it gives you a list of tools/supplies needed to do the job. There are even pictures of the supplies. I really liked that. This wasn’t overwhelming like I thought it might be. Instead it talked about the differences and helpful points to help you decide what you might want in your own garden.
Things talked about:
• Types of roses
• Where to buy them
• Where and when to plant
• How to plant
• Importance of staking and training
• Aftercare: mulching, fertilizers, etc.
• How to use roses in mixed beds
• How to make tea and jelly from rose hips
• Propagating (cuttings from old plant to make a new plant) in water
• Preserving rose petals
Individual roses have their own page with history, fragrance, planting methods and picture.
The last part is the “troubleshooting”. The best part of this book is to “how to” pictures. They are all throughout this and were super helpful.
Thanks to White Lion Publishing via Netgalley for this eARC. I’m voluntarily leaving my review.
April 22, 2021
I have read, and loved, several of the Kew Gardener’s Guides and this one on growing roses is no exception. With gorgeous photos and illustrations, helpful how-tos and easy to follow information on popular roses, this is a great book to have on hand when tackling the challenging hobby of raising roses!
We now have over 50 roses in our garden and seem to be adding more regularly. Despite, or perhaps because of this, I began with many questions to which I now have answers yet I don’t feel overwhelmed but rather motivated! To add more roses…because always…to grow slips, because, more roses…to get our climbing (rambling wildly!) iceberg going neatly up the wall of our home…to make rose-hip jelly….and these are just a fraction of the projects offered in the book!
If you love roses and want to learn more, this is a book for you! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
We now have over 50 roses in our garden and seem to be adding more regularly. Despite, or perhaps because of this, I began with many questions to which I now have answers yet I don’t feel overwhelmed but rather motivated! To add more roses…because always…to grow slips, because, more roses…to get our climbing (rambling wildly!) iceberg going neatly up the wall of our home…to make rose-hip jelly….and these are just a fraction of the projects offered in the book!
If you love roses and want to learn more, this is a book for you! It’s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 7, 2021
You can always count on The Kew Gardener's Guides to produce awesome books! They have done it again with this one, it's Guide to Growing Roses. Beautifully photographed and full of good information. This book covers it all, from propagating roses, to caring for roses, to training them, to tips on what roses to use in different spots. I was lucky enough to obtain an advance reading copy of this book from NetGalley, but will definitely be buying a hard copy for my own library. As well as several more copies for Christmas presents for my rose-growing friends. Highly recommend!
April 14, 2021
It's no wonder roses are extolled all over the world in literature and expressions. Their beauty is timeless and far reaching. As a gardener in two very different climates (zone 2a in Canada and zone 9 in the Mediterranean), I am always awestruck by their classic magnificence and tantalizing scents which stop me in my tracks to inhale. And then there's drying the petals and rosehip jelly...you will find a recipe for it here. I've made similar and it is outstanding.
This book is chock full of stunning photography and information, including the prettily-illustrated Contents pages! Roses can be hedges, focal points, grow in pots, planted as memorials or in parks and climb over doorways. I have seen them thrive in drought and in flooded areas. There is nothing more soothing than walking through multi-sensory rose gardens! Many roses do not survive in zone 2a, though several do. They just don't grow as heartily than those in warmer climates. So, if we can grow roses under harsh conditions, anyone can.
The author describes the types of roses (miniature, climbing, ground cover, etc.) and the parts of the rose including a variety of foliage. Not only that but also what is needed to grow them and which rose should go where and why. Preparing soil, mulching, fertilizing, deadheading and pruning are important and explained here. So are training, topiary and growing from seed (have never done that). My mom taught me when planting to throw a few crushed eggshells or banana peels into each hole to add calcium to each hole as our zone often lacks it.
Roses are described in detail including height, planting position, flowering time, fragrance and more. "Alberic Barbier" reminds me of fat peonies! "Darcey Bussell", Berkshire "Korpinka", Blue Moon "Tannacht", Charles Darwin "Auspeet" (smells like lemon tea!) and Happy Days "Harquad" are on my wish list for my Mediterranean garden. The name The Generous Gardener" alone sounds delightful! I was especially glad to see the troubleshooting section and in the back of the book.
If you are dreaming of growing roses or are an expert, you will find a lot of information and inspiration here. When available, I will buy this book for myself, sisters and mom.
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion and NetGalley for the privilege of poring over the e-ARC of this marvelous book!
This book is chock full of stunning photography and information, including the prettily-illustrated Contents pages! Roses can be hedges, focal points, grow in pots, planted as memorials or in parks and climb over doorways. I have seen them thrive in drought and in flooded areas. There is nothing more soothing than walking through multi-sensory rose gardens! Many roses do not survive in zone 2a, though several do. They just don't grow as heartily than those in warmer climates. So, if we can grow roses under harsh conditions, anyone can.
The author describes the types of roses (miniature, climbing, ground cover, etc.) and the parts of the rose including a variety of foliage. Not only that but also what is needed to grow them and which rose should go where and why. Preparing soil, mulching, fertilizing, deadheading and pruning are important and explained here. So are training, topiary and growing from seed (have never done that). My mom taught me when planting to throw a few crushed eggshells or banana peels into each hole to add calcium to each hole as our zone often lacks it.
Roses are described in detail including height, planting position, flowering time, fragrance and more. "Alberic Barbier" reminds me of fat peonies! "Darcey Bussell", Berkshire "Korpinka", Blue Moon "Tannacht", Charles Darwin "Auspeet" (smells like lemon tea!) and Happy Days "Harquad" are on my wish list for my Mediterranean garden. The name The Generous Gardener" alone sounds delightful! I was especially glad to see the troubleshooting section and in the back of the book.
If you are dreaming of growing roses or are an expert, you will find a lot of information and inspiration here. When available, I will buy this book for myself, sisters and mom.
My sincere thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - White Lion and NetGalley for the privilege of poring over the e-ARC of this marvelous book!
April 21, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group- White Lion for the opportunity to review 'The Kew Gardener's Guide to Growing Roses' before the publication date.
Being an avid, albeit fairly new gardener I am interested in widening my knowledge to learn as much as I can about flora and fauna and how I can grow and nurture plants in my own garden. I do particularly love roses but know next to nothing about them and reading this lovely book was an ideal opportunity to understand a little bit more.
The book is set out beautifully, with a long introduction that covers everything you need to know about roses, different rose types, and how to grow them successfully. Following this, there are many sections on which roses are best for which part of your garden including growing roses in a container or training a rose against a wall. The photographs are stunning and each one draws you into the page as you eagerly read how to get a rose to 'perform' for you. I am on a mission to identify the roses I currently have in my garden and this delightful book will start me on my quest.
The only thing I wasn't too keen on was the background of each page. It has a somewhat mottled effect, especially as I was reading it on an iPad I was constantly thinking there were marks on my screen. However, I am sure this wouldn't be the case with a physical copy of the book and indeed a physical copy would definitely be my recommended format. Ideal as a coffee table book and lovely to browse through whilst having a cuppa and learning just that little bit more about your roses.
Being an avid, albeit fairly new gardener I am interested in widening my knowledge to learn as much as I can about flora and fauna and how I can grow and nurture plants in my own garden. I do particularly love roses but know next to nothing about them and reading this lovely book was an ideal opportunity to understand a little bit more.
The book is set out beautifully, with a long introduction that covers everything you need to know about roses, different rose types, and how to grow them successfully. Following this, there are many sections on which roses are best for which part of your garden including growing roses in a container or training a rose against a wall. The photographs are stunning and each one draws you into the page as you eagerly read how to get a rose to 'perform' for you. I am on a mission to identify the roses I currently have in my garden and this delightful book will start me on my quest.
The only thing I wasn't too keen on was the background of each page. It has a somewhat mottled effect, especially as I was reading it on an iPad I was constantly thinking there were marks on my screen. However, I am sure this wouldn't be the case with a physical copy of the book and indeed a physical copy would definitely be my recommended format. Ideal as a coffee table book and lovely to browse through whilst having a cuppa and learning just that little bit more about your roses.
May 23, 2021
Cover does very little to help you imagine what’s inside, and this is the first year I’ve tried to grow some things in my garden. Roses just happen to be one of my favorite flowers but seem difficult to really grow. With that in mind I had no idea the wealth of information found inside this book.
What did I like? Not only do we get a look at the different arrays of roses but the author actually helps us make our own projects. From a rose hedge, container/patio planting, drying, from seeding, or climbing a wall.... there are several projects to keep you busy. It also guides you toward disease recognition and prevention, pests, and wintering your roses. I’m hooked!
Would I recommend or buy? With so many interesting projects I can’t help but refer this book to people making a backyard oasis. I look forward to many hours of fun providing an environment that my roses can survive and thrive in. Five star guide!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!
What did I like? Not only do we get a look at the different arrays of roses but the author actually helps us make our own projects. From a rose hedge, container/patio planting, drying, from seeding, or climbing a wall.... there are several projects to keep you busy. It also guides you toward disease recognition and prevention, pests, and wintering your roses. I’m hooked!
Would I recommend or buy? With so many interesting projects I can’t help but refer this book to people making a backyard oasis. I look forward to many hours of fun providing an environment that my roses can survive and thrive in. Five star guide!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!
April 2, 2021
This book has such a variety of roses with tons of tips and tricks and beautiful pictures! After moving into our current home, we found out the next year that we have roses. I had no idea until they bloomed again that they were roses. This concise guide shows a picture of each flower type, so that you can identify them, as well as guiding the reader how to tend them. I can't wait to identify which type we have once they bloom again! Scattered throughout the book, the author also includes many rose related projects, like saving petals, growing from seed, and how to grow roses in various situations (up wall, in pot, etc.) with step by step pictures included.
April 1, 2022
I have grown roses now for over 50yrs and I have fallen in love with the heritage roses that were in fashion here in the 1970, but unfortunately in Australia they have gone our of favor - once flowering period a year, thorny and plain color - I have heard say much better to grow a bush rose that just flowers forever.
This book brings back the love to the "old-fashion roses" but not only that there are more modern roses in this mix.
Lots of information, lots of beautiful pictures and a darn good read. There is information for propagating, growing, what to do with petals, and lots more. a great book for any rose lover.
This book brings back the love to the "old-fashion roses" but not only that there are more modern roses in this mix.
Lots of information, lots of beautiful pictures and a darn good read. There is information for propagating, growing, what to do with petals, and lots more. a great book for any rose lover.
April 9, 2021
I want to thank the author and Netgalley for gifting me the ebook. I absolutely loved roses and I found this book so informative. I will be reading it over and over again to help achieve growing roses. My husband and I are soon going to be looking for a house of our own and it is my dream to have a rose garden. This is not a book that you simply read once, I will be referencing this book over and over and telling all my friends and family about. I also love the cover, it is simply beautiful
April 2, 2022
The Kew Gardener's Guide series is excellent. There are so many illustrations and simple directions and projects. This one, focusing on roses, details many, many varieties of roses, as well as some projects and uses for the plants. I wish the general care and troubleshooting sections were a little more detailed, but other than that, really lovely book.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
April 5, 2021
The Kew Gardener's books are always fascinating, informative and richly illustrated.
This one talks about roses and it's a great guide to everything about roses. The illustrations are stunning and I would happy to own it in paper.
A great book that I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This one talks about roses and it's a great guide to everything about roses. The illustrations are stunning and I would happy to own it in paper.
A great book that I strongly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 13, 2021
I've never tried to grow roses because I was not familiar with the steps involved to insure a garden full of flowers. Tony Hall has inspired me to give them a try. I'll keep his book right next to my gardening tools so I can reference it often. Who knows, maybe one day my roses will look like his.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews