The Royal Horticultural Society's The Rose tells the story of the world's favourite flower through 40 of the most popular and interesting species and hybrids. Arranged chronologically, The Rose brings to life the arrival of each flower in European gardens, detailing the history of the layout of rose gardens and the role that roses play in the 'language of flowers'. From the first recorded reference to a rose over 7,000 years ago, these extraordinary flowers have captivated botanists, artists, poets, perfumers and gardeners. A symbol of love and patriotism, a scent and flavour synonymous with the East, and the jewel in the crown of ornamental gardens, roses in all their forms bear a special meaning that spans centuries and crosses oceans. Extraordinary botanical illustrations and extracts from classic texts held in the Royal Horticultural society's world-famous Lindley Library, such as Redoute's Les Roses, Henry Andrew's Roses, Mary Lawrence's Selection of Roses and Victor Paquet's Choix des Plus Belles Roses, complete this authoritative celebration.

This work contains an introductory section on history, nomenclature, anatomy, rose gardens and the breeding of new varieties. The text also includes a directory of more than 2000 species and cultivars.

A new edition of this A-Z guide to the world's favourite flower, from the experts at the RHS From the Barkarole to the Moonbeam, discover everything you need to know about roses with the RHS Encyclopedia of Roses, the definitive A-Z guide to over 2,000 species. Every rose is thoroughly catalogued with detailed descriptions from the size of their flowers and their scent, to growing habits, cultivation, breeding and name origins. Keep your roses blooming following practical advice on care, cultivation and the latest growing techniques. Plus an introduction on rose history, anatomy, special gardens and the breeding of new varieties makes the RHS Encyclopedia of Roses the ultimate reference for every rose enthusiast.

Rev. ed. of: American Rose Society encyclopedia of roses. 2003.

‘An accessible, informative guide for beginners, but full of ideas and tips for seasoned gardeners.’ – Sunday Mirror Elevate your own green space and become a more confident and creative gardener with lessons from experienced National Trust gardeners in this comprehensive horticultural guide. The National Trust looks after hundreds of beautiful gardens of every imaginable shape and size across Britain – from the grandest country estate to the smallest cottage garden. They manage such internationally renowned gardens as Sissinghurst and Hidcote. National Trust garden staff receive countless questions from visitors about plants growing in the gardens and techniques that can be tried at home. This in-depth guide will pass on their wisdom and provide the answers you are looking for. This book is packed with images of National Trust gardens of all types, spanning over 300 years of horticultural heritage, to inspire keen amateur gardeners and aspirational novices to realise their green-fingered ambitions. Written by expert gardener Rebecca Bevan, with the help of National Trust gardeners, the National Trust School of Gardening will make you feel confident about developing your garden rather than overwhelmed with unnecessary technical detail. From herbaceous borders to gardening sustainably, roses and climbers to growing under glass, each chapter provides snippets of horticultural history, examples of best practice from National Trust gardens, unique gems of wisdom from talented NT gardeners, and lots of easy-to-follow practical advice. Featuring a wide range of National Trust gardens both large and small, formal and informal, famous and undiscovered, high maintenance and low key. The topics covered and the insightful practical guides shared are easily applicable to private gardens, enriching even the tiniest urban spaces.

"This remarkable book reveals the history of the rose through the tale of 40 of the most popular and interesting species and hybrids. Arranged chronologically in the order in which a particular rose arrived in European gardens, the book also covers the history of the layout of rose gardens, discusses the various myths that have grown up about the history and introduction of roses and the confusion over the identity of roses in the Renaissance and looks at the role that roses play in the language of flowers . Each chapter features expert text by Brent Elliott, Historian at the RHS, and extracts from texts to be found in the Lindley Library. Each of the 40 roses is illustrated with extraordinarily beautiful images from the library."--Wheelers.co.nz.