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Roses 101

I realize roses can sometimes seem intimidating but in reality they are nothing more than flowering shrubs. I’ve created some pages for you to get started with the wonderful world of garden roses.

Hover your mouse over the “Roses 101” menu at the top of this page or click on the links below the video.

If you have questions go to my Facebook Group Page and post your question and any photos you want there. We have a great community discussion group over there.

Before you move on enjoy two videos below. The first is an Introduction to Roses that covers some basics you’ll want to know. The second is an eye candy one showing just how versatile roses are!

Part 1 – What Are Garden Roses

Everyone loves Garden Roses. Our late Jack Russell Bonnie with the rose "Mme Plantier" You are here because more than likely you’ve wanted to grow roses (or have given up on trying) and been told how difficult and fussy they are.   To some degree this is true, as many roses offered over the past few...

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Part 2 – Knowing It’s A Garden Rose

Get to know which Rose Breeders offer consistently great Garden Roses. One of the best is Delbard and this is one of their roses "Henri Matisse" Until recently it was difficult to tell Garden Roses apart from others.  Unlike Europe which keeps Garden and Florist roses separate, in the United States they were mingled together....

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Part 3 – Selecting Garden Roses

The Polyantha class of roses contains many excellent Garden Roses. They are hardy, tough, lower growing and bloom all season. This is "Marie Pavie". There is one simple rule to keep in mind when selecting which Garden Roses you want to plant. What do you want it to do in your garden? As I mentioned...

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Part 4 – Own Root vs Grafted Roses

Dr. Huey. The understock most widely used in the United States As you start to buy roses from mail order nurseries, and even some local ones, you are going to encounter both these terms.  You'll want to know a little about the differences so you can make an informed choice. Up until recently most roses...

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Part 5 – Buying & Planting Garden Roses

Papi Delbard. A climbing rose from the rose breeder Delbard who creates terrific Garden Roses.  Please see page on Delbard Roses under Resources. A great source for Garden Roses are mail order rose nurseries.  There are many good ones, owned and staffed by dedicated rose lovers who know the roses they grow and sell.  They...

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Part 6 – Your Garden Rose’s 1st Year

Roses drape a building and arbor in my no spray garden in the upstate of South Carolina. We realize a section dedicated to a rose's first year may seem a little silly but bear with us.  As with any living thing getting your rose off to a good start is going to save you so...

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