Customer Reviews

Roses (A Firefly Guide)

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This little handbook covers around 250 varieties of roses, a mixture of old garden varieties and modern ones (many of the Austin roses are included but very few of the hybrid teas will be found here). The introductory chapters, on the history of the rose and cultivation techniques, are solid and well written. The illustrations here (line drawings) are excellent. The heart of the book is profiles of individual roses. Each entry is illustarted with a beautiful photo, brief info about height, flower size and number of petals, followed by a few descriptive paragraphs. A list of alternative roses (those similar to the major one profiled) is also included. Sections in the back include a glossary of technical terms, a detailed guide to the classification of roses (with a list of individual varieties for each), profiles of rose awards and prizes throughout the world and the great breeders and creators of roses. This is a small book, easy to carry around and read in bed, and a very enjoyable read. It is not a complete guide but one that is nevertheless useful. The photographs alone make it a worthwhile purchase.

This is a beautiful hardcover book that is incredibly practical. It categorizes roses by use, such as roses in beds, shrub roses, climber and ramblers, cold climate roses, groundcover roses, and gives examples and substitutes. It is loaded with gorgeous photographs, and is particularly useful if you are trying to choose roses of a type. There is a terrific chart helping the reader to choose roses for position and climate. There is a thorough yet unprepretentous and clear exposition on the different rose types, from the oldest to the most modern. It is sturdy, yet strong enough to carry around. Highest recommendation.