About the Author

Roger Phillips was trained as a painter at Chelsea School of Art, and pioneered the use of color photography for the reliable identification of natural history subjects. Together with Martyn Rix, he has co-authored twenty-five books including Annuals and Biennials and Perennials, which have sold millions of copies around the world.

Martyn Rix is a botanist, plant collector and gardener. He worked as botanist at the Royal Horticultural Society's Garden at Wisley before becoming an independent botanical advisor and writer. Rix was awarded the Gold Veitch Memorial Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society for his services to horticulture.

Reviews

A thorough guide for rose selection and growing success.--Phoenix Home and Garden (01/01/2005)

Any flower lover would accumulate knowledge and new respect for this favorite of all flowers... The rose photography is outstanding.-- (11/01/2004)

Beautiful and definitive... this is a showcase worth having.-- (11/27/2004)

Erudite and exquisitely beautiful volume... These portraits make fascinating reading, for the authors have dug deep to determine the origins of their chosen roses.-- (10/01/2005)

Every page... is drenched in the sensuality of this quintessential summer flower (minus the perfume), with gorgeous color photos.-- (12/05/2004)

Gardeners are always searching for new roses and better ways to grow them. Best Rose Guide is an up-to-date reference with a wealth of new ideas for selecting and planting the ideal roses. This authoritative guide covers 850 roses and bridges the divide between scientific texts and everyday horticultural books. The book explains how to identify and understand every type of rose... Vivid photographs show every rose in exquisite detail. The authoritative text also explains how roses have been cultivated from ancient Roman times to today with fascinating information and the most up-to-date DNA studies. Featuring the newest rose varieties and the latest techniques and ideas for selecting and growing them, Best Rose Guide is a definitive reference on roses.-- (01/01/2005)

Gloriously detailed book... vivid color photographs and fascinating anecdotal detail. The book's structure, like a good trellis, organizes the sprawling story of the history of the rose beginning with the parent wild rose and the complex stories of how, when and where the cultivated varieties came into being.-- (05/01/2005)

Handsome gardening and scientific compendium... The section on the wonderfully scented modern romantica roses is a must-read for garenistas with a prejudice against the skinny, no-scent, hybrid tea roses. Read on and dream of spring.-- (12/04/2004)

Hundreds of sparkling color photos... page after page of colorful enjoyment and entertainment.-- (12/17/2005)

So beautiful and so full of information... 1,300 stunning color photos... the best plants for color, scent, health and vigor.-- (03/06/2005)

The authors are to be commended for providing a splendid entryway to a vast realm!--HortIdeas (10/01/2004)

The 850 varieties included in this book represent only a fraction of the roses that have been introduced (and sometimes lost) to cultivation, but the illustrations of these varieties are remarkable... Recommended.-- (05/01/2005)

Their enthusiasm for the subject shows in the chatty yet informative text... user-friendly.-- (12/22/2004)

Every page has photographs so clear that you can almost sense the scent of roses.--Nancy Burford"E-Streams" (06/01/2005)

Excellent information on the origins and natural history of the roses as well as their culture, and lavish photographs.--Beth Botts"Chicago Tribune" (01/23/2005)

Expert information and stunning photography to provide rose growers with the ultimate guide for understanding, choosing and eventually growing great roses.--John Bagnasco"Garden Compass" (03/01/2005)

The book, with more than 1000 color photographs, will appeal to any gardeners interested in growing these popular flowers.--George Cohen"Booklist" (11/15/2004)

The sort of honest information that gardeners crave.--Peter Sleight"Hartford Courant" (12/03/2004)