Right Rose, Right Place by Peter Schneider
I don’t need to tell you that there is an abundance, perhaps an overabundance, of rose books out there. I’ve seen my fair share, but rarely recommend them. This is one of those that I would definitely advise any gardener interested in learning more about roses to add to their collection. Peter Schneider has decades of experience growing roses and currently manages over 1,200 in his Ohio garden along with his wife, Susan. He offers a practical, no nonsense approach to placing the right rose in the right place (very aptly titled book). I particularly appreciate the tidbits he offers up about the history and current business of hybridization and how roses are sometimes strangely classified and awarded honors. It’s part skepticism (born from years of experience, I’m sure) part hilarity, and always refreshing. The book is laid out to offer a brief history of roses in the beginning (not so much as to overwhelm as the the history of roses is quite broad), but just enough of a basic understanding before delving into the heart of the book which is divided into sections according to specific areas in your garden. Following that are some great chapters which cover basic rose care: planting, pruning, fertilizing, pests/diseases, etc. and a little myth-busting as well. My only wish is that this book contained photos of each and every rose described, but I suppose that would be asking a bit much and make for a book about the size of an encyclopedia. (Also, I should mention this book is probably best utilized by North American gardeners.) Otherwise, it is quite fabulous.
