Regional Growing Guide: Mid-Atlantic
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Web Finds
Griffith Buck Roses
In the mid-20th century, Dr. Griffith Buck, of Iowa State University, hybridized about 80 roses that were hardy to -25 degrees F without protection and that had resistance to black spot. Among the best known of these is Carefree Beauty, but there are others that deserve to be grown more. To see photos and read descriptions of all of Buck's roses, visit the Buck Rose website,
Books
No one book has all the information you want on growing roses, but Foolproof Guide to Growing Roses, by Field Roebuck (Creative Homeowner Press, 2001) is certainly a worthy addition to the bookshelf. With excellent how-to photos and drawings, the book is one that a beginner could use easily, yet still not outgrow for quite some time. There is a general orientation to organic methods as well as information on easy-care varieties from heirloom to modern.