[.ca] Ortho's All about Roses (ISBN 0897214285)

One of the best introductory rose books:
Although this is primarily a beginner's book, it is also a useful book for more experienced rose growers, in that it's a good review of general growing techniques. It is well illustrated with pictures of how to plant, prune, and care for roses, as well as having many color photographs of rose varieties. A rose grower must always keep in mind the area where he lives and especially the climate. Many roses grow well in some climates or some areas and not in others. Keeping that in mind, the list and photos of rose varieties are highly useful. Most of the "How To" information applies to all areas. This book is a great asset when combined with talking to local people and noticing roses that grow well in one's own area.

Helpful information, but the book falls apart:
I received this book a couple of days ago from Amazon, and while the information and photographs are helpful, the pages are falling out. It's a paperback and it just seems to be pretty shoddily put together. Kind of a hassle to have to return it especially since I live in Europe.

Excellent reference--used over and over!:
This book is just fantastic! I've found that the pictures are quite close to what I've actually produced in my own garden. Not all rose books have such accurate color representation. I also like that each rose photo has the accompanying RIR (roses in review) rating for that rose, and notes the rose's cold hardiness. Often, specific climate zone information can be tough to find. Finally, I especially like the notations regarding pest and disease resistance for each rose. This book notes a rose's flaws (ie, susceptibility to mildew) more often than most other books on my desk, and that has made it indispensable to me. My only gripe: if you're trying to identify a disease or problem you're experiencing with a given rose, this book only offers drawings, no actual pictures. Based on drawings, novices could have trouble telling the difference between mildew and blackspot, for instance. Otherwise, it's a first rate book. I constantly find myself referring to it for information missing from some of the bigger (and more expensive!) rose books on my desk.

Excellent Book for the Novice Rose Gardener:
Well organized and easy to read guide for the novice rose gardner. Excellent information on rose forms, landscaping ideas, soil/site selection, feeding, pruning, etc. Especially enjoyed the beautiful illustrations of various rose types/species and landscaping.

Easy, helpful reading!:
This book is excellent for beginners; it covers all aspects of growing roses, from selection and planting to pruning and disease control. It doesn't assume the reader has any prior knowledge, so it doesn't use obscure phrases or terms, and it explains things in a clear, east-to-understand way. The best "basics" book on roses I've seen.