Steven B. Hutton, president of Conard-Pyle, one of the country's top wholesale container nurseries, likes to say that "beautiful roses begin with beautiful plants." But he doesn't necessarily mean the type of beauty most of us picture when we think of vibrant blooms. Mr. Hutton thinks about plants from the roots up.

He recently shared some insight and tips on buying roses in their dormant and in-leaf plant forms.

Q: What are dormant rose plants? What are the advantages to buying in this form and how do you handle them?

A: Dormant is just what the name implies. The plants are basically asleep. There are two categories of dormant plants, both available as soon as the curtain comes up on planting season.

One is bare root. These are thorny canes (the main stems or branches of the plant), bare of any kind of bud or any real signs of life, and the roots are bare of any soil. If you order by mail, this is an excellent way to go. It's very economical to ship. You'll receive the canes packed with the roots in a polyethylene bag, with moist paper or peat moss to keep them moist until planting.

It's also practical. If you have to store your bare root roses-say you're going on vacation for 10 days the day they arrive-or it's too early to plant, they will be happy waiting in a cool, dark place for a week or 10 days. Just open and make sure the water- holding material has plenty of moisture. Then seal it back up. When you're ready to plant, simply follow planting instructions. Any reputable grower or source will provide complete, detailed instructions on the tag or paper that comes with the plant.

The bare root planting season follows the arrival of spring weather. In the southwest and deep south, it's January and February. In the northwest and southeast and other more temperate areas, it's in February and March, then March and April in the rest of the United States. So, if you bought bare roots this year, they should probably be in the ground by now.

There is also a subcategory of dormant roses, often called a "packaged rose." Usually there is no growth on this plant, but in all cases the roots are protected, with the canes exposed. Generally, the roots are in a plantable, biodegradable fiber pot filled with peat or soil or other organic materials. Dormant roses are also available as potted plants.

In all cases, dormant plants favor the early gardener. And, for those who are eager to get the newest AARS selections, it's another great way to be the first on the block to enjoy them.

Q: What if I want to buy a plant that is already growing?

A: That's easy to do - just look a little later in the season and you should see the buds or full blooms. Gardeners whose beds or yards are not ready, or who want to see plants in growth should go to their local nursery or home and garden center for in-leaf plants with leaves, buds, or even blooming roses. It's certainly an excellent way to see exactly what you're getting.

Q: What about the grades of roses, what do the numbers 1 or 1-1/2 mean on the tags?

A: In all cases, whether dormant or in- growth, look for Number 1 roses, the top grade. (You should see a tag or label on the plant). Number 1 roses have 3 strong canes (minimum), a strong root system that is well balanced with canes, and are of superior size and quality.

The Number 1-1/2 grade comes with a minimum of two strong canes. It is a viable plant, but best suited for an experienced gardener who wants to save some money.

First timers should go with top grade; AARS roses come in both grades.

Finally, according to Hutton, the two most important questions for novice gardeners to ask their plant suppliers are: 1. Where are your AARS roses? 2. What roses are best for our climate?

It's that straightforward.

Established in 1938, All-America Rose Selections (AARS) is a non-profit association of rose growers and introducers dedicated to bringing you exceptional new rose varieties. Through a rigorous, highly regarded Trial and Testing Program, AARS promotes the cultivation of outstanding roses.

That's why we can promise you that AARS roses embody all the characteristics you could ever desire in a garden plant. Each AARS winning rose completes an extensive two-year trial program in AARS Test Gardens, located throughout the country in a wide range of climates. Through a sophisticated evaluation process, AARS guarantees that only the best of the crop make it into your garden by evaluating roses on:

• Vigor
• Growth habit
• Disease resistance
• Foliage
• Flower production
• Bud and flower form
• Opening and finishing color
• Fragrance
• Stem
• Overall value

The 2005 AARS winners are now available nationwide, waiting to grace your garden with outstanding colors, enticing fragrance and all the romance associated with these glorious blooms.

Follow the links for details on each:
About Face^TM
Lady Elsie Mae^TM
DayDream^TM
Elle^TM

Look for news on the 2006 winners, coming in June! Winners will be on display this summer at public gardens nationwide.

Did you know it's actually beneficial to cut your garden roses and enjoy them indoors?

Aside from the aesthetic pleasures, you're doing the plants a favor. When you remove flowers before the plant can set seed, you strengthen the plant by saving the energy that would have gone into seed production. Experts note that you should try to cut garden roses with as long a stem as possible. They look better in a vase and they benefit the plant, assuring long stems for the next bloom, too.