The Rose Expert (Expert)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent and Comprehensive Introductory and Reference Book
Review: As a landscape professional and part-time rose nurseryman I find this book the most generally useful and comprehensive (if not as effectively organized) of all the books I have purchased and/ or read regarding the subject. It packs the most information into the smallest footprint (meaning I carry it with me regularly) and gives a broad and sound overview of all things rose related including: types of roses, the general habits and qualities of each (good and bad), selecting, planting, maintenance, feeding, spraying, and other care among them. It's a great general reference and I recommend it to many of my clients that inquire and express an interest in learning about roses. For those interested in expanding their knowledge further in this area there are a number of references cited and available for further exploration.

As to it being British based I didn't find this at all to be an issue; use common sense to make adjustments for the difference between climes. In fact Britain is in the same USDA zones as most of the Western US, zones 8 & 9, which is whereI am based.

I can't say the specific rose listings were in themselves terribly helpful since selection and availability will vary from locale to locale and year to year, but the pictures are always nice to look at just the same. (It's more helpful for my business to learn what's available through existing channels and find which of these best fits the criteria desired; most good growers/ sellers will include sound performers in the core areas.)

Happy Gardening!

Rating:
Summary: Basic Primer of Limited Use
Review: I found this book to be a decent basic primer on the differnet types of roses, such as hybrid tea, floribunda,etc. After that, however, the book was of limited use. Most of the information is based on the assumption that the reader lives in England. The climate maps, planting schedules,etc only guide the gardener growing roses in England, and because I live in California the book did not help me make decisions about what types to buy and when to plant, prune, etc. So, if you live outside of England, search for a book that will provide better information on growing roses in your geographic area.

Rating:
Summary: Well organized presentation with detailed information
Review: The New Rose Expert divides roses by hybrid tea, floribunda, patio, miniature, ground cover, climber & rambler and shrub with small labels at the bottom of each category for quick location and each rose is presented with beautiful photo, general description, and the specifics: blooms, foiliage, health, and awards for efficient comparisons. In depth coverage of planting, care and propagation with pointers for the novus are included. I especially liked the guides to selection of roses depending on the fragrance, color and proposed use (ground cover, climber, etc). An excellent primer!