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Old Garden Roses

"At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid."

John 19:41 NIV

     Old garden roses, many of which are enjoying a resurgence in popularity due to their fuss-free natures and exquisite flowers, are filling a special place in the modern garden. Tired of spraying, dusting, and burying their persnickety hybrid teas up to their necks in dirt and leaves every fall, gardeners are turning to old roses to satisfy their desire for a truly maintenance-free experience with their favorite flower. Most heirloom roses are hardy, disease-resistant or disease-free, and some are available on their own roots instead of grafted onto a rose stock. This is reputed to increase hardiness and longevity. All these positive qualities are encouraging gardeners to make room for OGR's in their landscape plan.
      The old roses can wear many hats in the modern garden. There are varieties that can hide landscaping flaws such as old sheds, chain-link fences, or rotting tree stumps. Ramblers and climbers such as "Seven Sisters," 1817, or "Mme Sancy de Parabere," 1845, are called upon to perform this function. Roses such as "New Dawn," 1930, "American Pillar," 1902, (not technically OGR's), or "Zephirine Drouhin," 1868, also fit the bill quite well. The latter is especially suited to shady areas. Roses make excellent hedges, keeping intruders out while creating a floral backdrop for shorter roses, perennials, and herbs. "R. rugosa alba," "Blanc Double de Coubert," "R. glauca," "Celestial," "Mme Legras de St. Germain," and "Kazanlik" (excellent for potpourri) are just a few of the varieties ideal for hedging. Look to antique roses for luxurious scent too. Near a deck, window, or door is the best place to site these fragrant old-timers. Try "Nastarana," "Celsiana," "Fantin-Latour," "Ispahan," or "Sombreuil."
      Many antique roses are languishing, forgotten, in cemeteries around the country. All over, groups are forming to preserve these long-neglected roses. Check with your local gardening society or club to see if a preservation effort is underway in your community. I encourage you to find out more about Old Garden Roses, and try one or two in your own garden. You'll be preserving a part of rose history, and adding timeless beauty to your landscape.

Following is a listing of my favorite links for information about roses old and new:

Ted Bissland's About.com Guide For Roses

The Roseraie at Bayfields

Heirloom Old Garden Roses

Timeless Roses

Cheryl Netter's Garden Tour

New Zealand Rose Garden

The old dew still falls on the old sweet flowers,
The old sun revives the new fledged hours,
The old summer rears the new-born roses.

Algernon Charles Swinburne

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