Book Review

The Organic Rose Garden
by
Liz Druitt

     This is a very reassuring volume for those who are concerned with the health of their roses bushes but afraid of using harmful chemicals.  Sensible and natural measures for combating insects and disease abound in this text as well as indepth information about organic fertilizers.  A helpful listing and precise description of roses that do well in organic gardens is also included at the back of the book.  The full-color photographs scattered throughout the text inspire and enchant.
      Liz will take you step by step through the process of preparing your soil, designing the rose bed, purchasing your roses, and maintaining the shrubs after they're planted.  She even includes a chapter on using the bounty from your rose beds in exciting recipes. 
      The nitty-gritty of this book is contained in the chapters entitled "Maintaining Roses" and "Troubleshooting."  Common organic fertilizers are listed.  For instance, alfalfa makes a great "pick-me-up" solution for roses.  It contains moderate levels of three main ingredients needed in healthy soil, nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K).  Blood meal is high in nitrogen.  It works quickly, but can burn tender roots if overapplied.  Bone meal provides phosphorous and calcium, but can raise soil pH, so Liz warns to be sure you need it before you use it!  Compost improves soil quality and is easy to make at home.  Fish emulsion, greensand, gypsum, manure, soybean meal, seaweed-- the list goes on of helpful products that will do no harm to your garden.
      What can you do if your roses are plagued by blackspot or powdery mildew?  Liz suggests an application of manure tea on a regular basis.  Spraying with a mixture of 1 tablespoon baking soda plus 1 tablespoon of horticultural oil or dish soap in a gallon of water will usually prevent new outbreaks of powdery mildew, rust, and blackspot.
      I was fascinated by the list of companion plants that had a positive effect on the health of the rose.  Got bugs?  Grow leeks, tansy, mint, onions, garlic, fennel, dill, marigolds, or catnip.  Hate those pesky Japanese beetles that devour your blossoms?  Grow geraniums, catnip, and garlic.  Borage acts as a trap crop.  Hand picking keeps levels down too.  Tap the offending insects into a bucket of soapy water on an early morning garden tour.
      Last, but not least, water washes (when applied early so foliage has time to dry before nightfall) keep many diseases and insects under control.  A good layer of mulch can prevent problems too.
      Run, don't walk to your local bookstore or library to obtain a copy of this fine volume.  It will increase your success with that queen of all flowers-- The Rose.
     
       

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