Roses without chemicals 150 disease-free varieties that will change the way you grow roses

Roses are known for their own floral language, their full-spectrum color range, and their fussiness, requiring pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers to thrive. Kukielski, who curated the award-winning rose garden at the New York Botanical Garden, offers an end to chemical spraying by recommending 150 disease-free varieties that marry beauty with sturdiness. He offers fascinating botanical history in his discussion of the original cultivation of heritage, antique, or old garden roses, then provides information about the blooms' simple form (a flat opening and five petals) and how and where roses grow. Kukielski then explains the practice of sustainable integrated pest management (SIPM), which involves controlling, not eliminating pests, with minimal environmental impact. Techniques include adding ladybugs to the garden because they eat harmful aphids and using garlic to repel Japanese beetles. Each variety gets a gorgeously illustrated page providing disease-resistance ratings and details about each rose's fragrance, bloom, and cultivation, and all 150 boast an easy-care beauty. With rose classifications and lists of resources, this exciting green guide will receive applause from both rose aficionados and hopeful novices.--Scott, Whitney Copyright 2015 Booklist

Many gardeners shy away from growing roses because they are labor intensive, requiring spraying and coddling to keep them looking their best. The Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden at the New York Botanical Garden, where Kukielski worked as a curator for eight years, was recently renovated, and the author's decision to go chemical-free implemented. Here he covers the basics, including which rose varieties are the most disease resistant, practices to help maintain a healthy garden, and how to use companion plants with roses. Kukielski also provides a list of roses that do the best in certain geographical locations throughout the United States. A highlight of the book is a directory of 150 varieties that have met the criteria of disease resistance, fragrance, and flowering capacities. Each flower is noted with a photograph, a description summary, and a rating based on the previously mentioned standards. Companion roses are also listed for each variety. VERDICT This valuable guide for gardeners wanting to try roses that are less disease-prone is recommended for public libraries and horticultural collections.-Phillip Oliver, Univ. of North Alabama Lib., Florence (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.