Book published 1997 by Henry Holt and Company.
ISBN: 0805044094.

Authored by Stephen Scanniello

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In A Year of Roses, Stephen Scanniello presents a month-by-month schedule of the major chores to be completed in the rose garden, including important cultural notes on how to grow roses drawing on his own practical experience growing roses at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's celebrated Cranford Rose Garden.

Scanniello knows from whence he speaks: having grown over 1,500 varieties of roses and served as an international rose judge. This book has been described as his manifesto in which he delivers the essentials of rose gardening to beginners and experienced growers alike, describing environmentally sound techniques for rose cultivation in all regions of North America. Scanniello writes in a charming and intimate style and covers all aspects of rose growing, from choosing and ordering roses to planting and maintaining them. Interspersed throughout are historical facts, personal anecdotes and detailed black-and-white line drawings.

Through the medium of the essay form, Scanniello can take the time to explain in greater detail, and the reader is better able to understand as a result, the causes and effects of rose diseases and pests and how to avoid, identify and treat them, how to decide which types of roses are the best suited for a particular gardening situation, how to train them, and so on.

This is a book for novices as well as more experienced rosarians. Beginners will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed and those with more experience will benefit from "trade secrets" Scanniello has picked up along the way. Reading A Year of Roses is like following Stephen Scanniello around as he cares for the thousands of roses at the Cranford Rose Garden and understanding what the fascination and joy of growing roses is all about.