Product Description

Graham Stuart Thomas' trilogy on roses transformed English gardens and established him as one of the most influential gardeners of the 20th century. The Old Shrub Roses (1955) brought to public attention the favourite roses of the early 19th century. Shrub Roses of Today (1962) identified the species and hybrids from Japan, China, North America, and English and Scottish hedgerows. Climbing Roses Old and New (1965) completed the trilogy by considering ramblers and climbers such as "Adelaide d'Orleans." Practical advice is included on planting, cultivation, pruning and display, and new photos complement favourite illustrations from Redoute and Thomas himself.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #688264 in Books
• Published on: 2004-07-15
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .3 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 385 pages

From Booklist
Graham Stuart Thomas' The Old Shrub Roses was first published in 1955, his Shrub Roses of Today appeared in 1962, and his Climbing Roses Old and New came out in 1965. The three books have now been revised and enlarged for this new compiled edition, and new illustrations have been added along with "Notes on the Origin and Evolution of Our Garden Roses," C. C. Hurst's classic essay on the subject written in 1941. Thomas, now 85, is the author of 15 other garden books and garden adviser to Britain's National Trust. In this luxurious book, Thomas lists hundreds of roses, each with the plant's garden forms, varieties, hybrids, the name of the raiser, and the date it was introduced. He describes in detail the plant's leaves, blooms, height, and growing season. But the book is more than just a list of roses; Thomas includes an essay on the appeal of roses, one on old shrub roses, one on wild roses, one on climbers and ramblers, and another on cultivation, pruning, and fragrance. This is truly a comprehensive work on the subject, with 158 color photographs and paintings. Some of the paintings are by the author, as are 21 pencil drawings. George Cohen

Review
"'More than anyone else, Graham Stuart Thomas launched the revival of interest in roses long out of favour.' Henry Mitchell, Washington Post; 'The greatest gardener of our time, perhaps of all time.' Daily Telegraph"

About the Author
Graham Stuart Thomas, who died in April 2003, is revered as one of the greatest gardeners of the twentieth century. His 'unrivalled plantsmanship' brought him the highest horticultural honours and as Gardens Adviser to the National Trust he was directly responsible for the conservation and restoration of many of the finest gardens in England.