Tools for Every Rosarian

No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. Such a variety of subjects, some one always coming to perfection, the failure of one thing repaired by the success of another, and instead of one harvest a continued one through the year. - Thomas Jefferson

I probably have the largest book collection on roses around, including books written over a hundred years ago. After reading each one, consulting water experts, and talking to every rosarian I could find, I have learned that if you are serious about growing roses, there is never one specific piece of advice or information. Success depends on where you live and what your growing conditions are. Every microclimate is unique and each property has a specific soil type and weather conditions. Anyone and everyone should be able to grow roses simply...or perhaps more aptly put...everyone should be able to simply enjoy their roses.

Every gardener should have a few basic tools hanging in their shed to grow, cut, and maintain his or her roses. Here are a few basic materials that Rose Story Farm keeps on hand:

• Felco #2 Pruning Shears
• 20" Long-Handled Loppers
• Felco Sharpening tool
• Small pruning saw (folding types are handy)
• Sturdy trowel
• Elbow length goat skin gloves
• Bleach or Lysol (to keep equipment clean)
• Small rake (to keep leaves/debris away from the base of the plant)