Grace Rose Farm: Garden Roses: The Complete Guide to Growing & Arranging Spectacular Blooms

by Gracielinda Poulson

A complete guide to choosing, growing, and arranging garden roses—from the preeminent rose grower in the U.S., Gracielinda Poulson of Grace Rose Farm.

With over 30,000 heirloom rose bushes, Grace Rose Farm is the rose destination, whether you’re a florist looking for that just-so hue of rose for a high-end wedding, a customer who wants to find a one-of-a-kind bouquet to ship to their mom, one of Poulson’s 25,000 newsletter subscribers looking for tips on growing their own roses, or among the nearly 200,000 followers who swoon over her images on Instagram. The farm, based in Santa Ynez, California, works with breeders from around the world to bring new rosebushes to American gardeners, and harvests their own spectacular roses for weddings, events, and local flower lovers. They’ve also grown a nationwide online business that delivers roses to customers around the country.
In this book, Poulson shares her incredible breadth of wisdom in a comprehensive guide to growing roses specifically to use as cut flowers. It includes detailed information on the best varieties in every possible hue--ones that can thrive in the home garden and bring gardeners magnificent blooms year after year. She also offers instructions for planting, year-round care, and harvesting, whether you’re growing roses in the ground, in raised beds, or in containers, and in every climate zone; plus styling and arranging tips, including bouquets in simple pitchers and urns as well as more elaborate tablescapes and floral arches.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction

304 pages, Hardcover

Published March 26, 2024

Reviews

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a masterclass in rose growing. And, it is so beautiful! I am going to need to return to this one again and again.

[Soula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally the best gardening book I have EVER read. I've read a number and they have always been dry - after briefly scanning the very standard "how to" section, I'd flip to the plant I'm working with for a quick reference and put it away; useful, but not life altering.

This book is literally EVERYTHING roses. Every question I had, and every question I didn't *know* I had, was answered in this book in very easy to digest ways. The pictures were clear and beautiful. The relevant information regarding each rose species was formatted in an easy to scan, consistent lay out. Each and every species had a clear, colored, beautiful picture (THANK YOU!). I would have loved for the companion flowers (mostly relevant for hybrid teas) to have pictures too to quickly identify and/or visualize the union, but it's not a deal breaker; the book briefly explained the advantages of each type of companion flower to give me the opportunity to make an informed decision best for my garden.

Aside from rose species and planting techniques of both bare root and potted roses (which includes, in ground, raised bed, and container!), it also dedicates a section to harvesting and arranging! It's a brief section, but it's everything I need to ensure the longevity of cut flowers in my home. There's even an easy recipe for the vase water to prolong the cut flower life.

I genuinely wish more gardening books were like this one. I just have to decide which roses I want to plant and how I'd like them arranged on my property.

I can't recommend this rose gardening book enough. I read this book twice in the same day AND annotated it.

[Heidi Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this for the pictures but ended up impressed with the whole book. I love growing roses and own a ton of books with varying pictures and content. I rarely expect to read something new, so was pleasantly surprised by some tidbits of info I’d not read before. The info ran the gamut from growing, caring for, harvesting and arranging - broader scope than a gardening book, and more than just a floral arranging book. The author also came across as experienced, practical and knowledgeable as well as completely in love with roses - a kindred spirit to her readers I’m sure. The photography is divine, and the descriptions thorough, personal and individualized for most, and with little stories and memories and were sweet. My only picky comment - what’s with the overuse of the word whimsical? I counted at least a dozen uses in the first 100 pages (3 times on page 65 alone - for Desdemona, a rose I happen to own and agree she is whimsical and quite lovely….but still!). Would make a perfect coffee table book, gift for a gardener or - as for me - a lovely grownup picture book, a light and soothing read before bed.

[Bree Steffen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book because I finally wanted to learn how to take care of the rose bushes that came with my new house. I was intimidated, but this book laid out rose care and strategy in a fun way that is understandable! Plus, the photography is GORGEOUS and the descriptions of the roses are so helpful! I love that Grace Rose Farm is in Southern California, and I’m in San Diego, so I am basically planning to copy their care plan laid out in the book haha! The book ends with some EXCELLENT arrangement and decorating tips! I can’t wait to put this new knowledge to use - and hopefully someday visit Grace Rose Farm to see it in person!!!! 🌹I never thought reading an educational, instructional book would be this fun!

[Kat Mills Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a new rose enthusiast, I ended up liking this book far more than expected. Somewhat (expectedly) self-absorbed, but also full of information and absolutely gorgeous. I learned! I discovered some more roses I want in my garden with which I wasn’t as acquainted. By the end, I felt full, glutted with beauty and ready to introduce more into my lifestyle.

[Lauralee · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the most informative book I’ve read on roses. If you can only choose one book to add to your collection, it should be this one. The photos are all stunning too, it just makes me happy looking at them.

[Vida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can one experience joy reading a non-fiction book ALL about roses?

So much experience and wisdom and beauty in this book dedicated to roses and rose growing.

The only thing I found missing is a list of rose sellers besides Grace Rose Farm.

[Alanna Rose Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exceptionally beautiful book! The photos were absolutely breath taking. I enjoyed the monthly checklist of tasks, pests and diseases (as well as treatment), and diagrams. It feels like the perfect beginners guide to roses. Nothing could possibly beat the photos in this book!!!

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED it! So much detailed info paired with gorgeous photos on each page. Specific recommendations for each zone.

[Deb Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book! The images are lovely. The information is thorough. This is my new go-to reference for my roses!

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book with wonderful descriptions, resources.