Old Roses and English Roses

Rating:
Summary: The Bible of Old Roses from a man making rose history!
Review: Exquisite book, an absolute orgy for anyone who loves roses but especially for those of us who love the old roses. David Austin is making an indelible mark on the rose world. People will be writing about him a hundred years from now. This book is a lovely representation of his knowledge and thoughts on the roses he knows like few others. The book is small with a beautiful cover of an English rose, Sharifa Asma. He covers all the wonderful varieties of old or old looking roses, for example, rugosas, English roses, Gallicas, Moss Roses, China, Portlands, Bourbons, Damasks, and Teas. The information is succinct but not at all superficial. As he writes, he is clearly speaking of roses he knows like a friend. The book is packed with wonderful photographs in all types circumstances. He discusses cultivation. Particularly interesting is his chapter on English roses of today and the future. His bibliography is extensive and could be helpful in building one's own lib! rary. This is a MUST have book!

Rating:
Summary: David Austin is the foremost authority on English Roses.
Review: This is a good introduction to old roses and their development, but a better one about "English Roses". "English Roses" are a relatively new type of roses, pioneered by David Austin, starting about 1970, with his first popular variety, "Constance Spry". "English Roses" are shrub roses that have the look of old roses. They are very carefree roses and bloom profusely and often, most with a nice fragrance. No one is more qualified to talk about "English Roses" than David Austin since he "invented" them. He tells how to use them to the best advantage and also tells strong points and weaknesses of the numerous varieties. This is the man to listen to about growing English roses. The book also has a good introduction to the correct methods of rose cultivation. There are a lot of very nice pictures.

Rating:
Summary: David Austin is the foremost authority on English Roses.
Review: This is a good introduction to old roses and their development, but a better one about "English Roses". "English Roses" are a relatively new type of roses, pioneered by David Austin, starting about 1970, with his first popular variety, "Constance Spry". "English Roses" are shrub roses that have the look of old roses. They are very carefree roses and bloom profusely and often, most with a nice fragrance. No one is more qualified to talk about "English Roses" than David Austin since he "invented" them. He tells how to use them to the best advantage and also tells strong points and weaknesses of the numerous varieties. This is the man to listen to about growing English roses. The book also has a good introduction to the correct methods of rose cultivation. There are a lot of very nice pictures.

Rating:
Summary: A must have book for fans of the English Rose
Review: This lovely little book is an indispensible addition to any rose lover's library. Small enough to take with you to your local nursery and yet has enough detail to be very informative. Some newer English Roses not covered.