The TOH Guide to Growing a Flawless Rose Garden

It is that time of year again! Roses are in bloom. Here's everything you need to know--including the best tools to use and which varieties to plant--to keep the most beautiful rose garden on the block. -Tabitha Sukhai


Everything You Need to Prune Roses. Build the ultimate rose-care kit with help from the gardening pros! The Kneeling Pad and Seat show above can be used as shown to provide cushion or as a comfy bench. It's about $35 at gardeners.com (but we're sure some of our more resourceful DIYers can build one easily!)
See the rest of our Rose-Care Tool Kit at thisoldhouse.com


Watch a Pro Prune and Train Roses. You should start by inspecting your rose bushes for old, dead, or weak branches. Many homeowners fear pruning, but with help from TOH landscape contractor Roger Cook, you can do it yourself with confidence. Watch How to Prune and Train Roses at thisoldhouse.com


Pick Easy-Care Varieties. Far from finicky, many shrub-type roses bloom all summer long with very little fuss. Here are some top choices for flower borders, hedges, and containers. You'll also find tips for care and feeding your flowers, too. For instance, roses need one to two deep waterings a week during warm, dry weather. Drip irrigation is ideal because it keeps the foliage dry, discouraging disease. See more on Easy-Care Roses at thisoldhouse.com

MORE: 14 Shrub-Type Roses, A Plant List
MORE: How to Install Drip Irrigation


Incorporate Some Climbers and Ramblers. Low on space? Grow up! Add a few trellises and plant beautiful climbing roses like Heirloom's Yellow Rambler

MORE: Build a Trellis
MORE: Build a Garden Arbor