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Re:ignorance

Michelle,

>My ignorance is showing, but I have to ask this question.  What is "own
>root stock" and grafted roses?  What is the differance and what do you
>suggest is the best to buy?  How can you tell the differance?

Since you ask, you are not ignorant.
Grafted roses (also know as budded roses) are 'attached' (or grafted)
to a different rose root know as root stock. (Most nurseries use the same 
variety of root stock)  The grafting of the new rose wood to the root stock
then leaves a 'union joint'. That roundish lump you usually see at about 
ground level. Grafted roses are faster to produce. But if the root get's 
diseased, (and there is plenty of root virus) the rose can die.

Own-root is not grafted and is simply propagated to make it's own roots.
The disadvantage is it's slower to market. The advantage is no rose root 
virus, more winter hardy (If the rose freezes to the ground the rose can 
still come back from it's own-root.) (Unless it froze also of course.) 
No suckers from the root rose that grafted roses sometimes do. 
And the rose will be truer to type on it's own root that will be reflected 
in it's bloom and size. They are also said to live longer, because after 
many years the grafted rose will cease to put out new canes.

6 years ago I bought my last grafted roses. 5 English roses from a very 
well know Nursery.  In two years the union joint became ugly and 
effected the health of all five of these roses, but never effected the own-
root roses I had.  Made a believer out of me.
I also know others have had no problems with their grafted roses.

Heirloom Old Garden Rose's sells only own-root and they are less that
2 hours drive away. They have wonderful display gardens over seven
acres of old, English, shrubs and Ramblers.  My mother, sisters and I
have gone to visit and picnic HOGR since 1992.  So I am a bit bias,
and blessed.  

Sorry this is so long. I was just over at HOGR yesterday and I am 
pumped, and itching for this rain to stop so that I can brake ground
on this new garden I have planned.

Roses are beginning to leaf out, in Oregon with the rain.
Even a several crocus have smiled.
Carleen
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