Customer Reviews

Roses in a Desert Garden

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Great book that focuses on the needs and advantages of growing roses in the Southwest. Unlike most rose books, which focus on growing roses in more temperate climates, this book addresses the unique requirements and opportunities of growing roses in the desert. I particularly liked the references the author made to specific roses (i.e. Gene Boerner, Abraham Darby, etc.) that do well in more arid climates. This book cuts through the rhetoric of the thicker "prettier" rose books and gives the desert gardner the growing know-how they need to create a paradise in the desert!

I live in an arid climate and while most rose books don't give you a clue about what soils/temperatures specific roses need, Beck goes into detail and even recommends (thank you Hallie!!) specific roses for specific desert situations. She tells how to amend the soil, which roses change color in the heat, and even how to combine rose colors. I've checked this book out SO many times from the library--but it's not enough. I need it at hand, for her knowledge, suggestions and humor.

I bought this book years ago and I highly recommend it for the planting and care of roses in the low desert. Small and compact and packed with good information. Yes, roses can flourish here with a little help.