From Publishers Weekly
Reading Reddell is like being herded through the garden by an avuncular neighbor with a passion for the rose, our official (since 1986) national flower. Gardening columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, author The Rose Bible and the owner/operator of a commercial rose nursery, Reddell delivers an irresistible blend of opinionated exuberance and practical advice. Crafted with dry wit and a disarmingly chatty style, this eminently readable guide lays out a season-by-season plan for rose culture and care and deals admirably with such potentially paralyzing topics as pruning and disbudding, discussing, along the way, the future of rose growing and the merits of some of the author's favorite cultivars. As a self-proclaimed "rose dietitian," Reddell offers tips on when and what to feed roses (Epsom salts are one of the tricks of the trade). He extends the reach of his own wide experience by drawing on that of a baker's dozen of "zonal gurus" whom he consulted for specific advice on geographic climates coast-to-coast. A glossary is included. Experts and novices alike will cheer the arrival of this handy little volume. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Reddell, who grows roses in California for the cut-flower trade, soothes the fears of novice rose growers by walking them through a season of care of this demanding but rewarding plant. Arranged by season, his book dispenses advice on choosing, planting, pruning, watering, and feeding roses to obtain maximum growth and bloom. The heart of the book is the last chapter, which provides information from 13 different expert rose growers from different parts of the United States on the varieties and cultural practices best suited to their region. Although handily presented, this book is unnecessary for libraries owning Reddell's Rose Bible (Harmony: Crown, 1994), which includes the same information (in many cases from the same experts) but has the added attraction of an illustrated glossary of recommended rose varieties.?Molly Newling, Piscataway P.L., N.J.Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
If devotees of beautiful gardens were polled, the majority would probably single out roses as the most compelling of all flowers. Lamentably, roses might be voted the most intimidating flowers to grow, as well. The latest effort from one of the country's most respected rosarians offers to clarify cultural practices and general rose care. Reddell's forthright guide should appeal equally to individuals yearning to grow prizewinning roses and to ardent if less ambitious putterers--all those in need of a basic plan to aid in the cultivation of healthier, more floriferous rosebushes. For readers still confused about which roses to grow, Reddell demystifies the dispute surrounding old roses and modern hybrids. A special chapter features detailed tips, contributed by guest growers from across the country, on planting, pruning, fertilizing, and winterizing in USDA zones 4B to 11. Alice Joyce

From the Inside Flap
Roses are the "queens of the garden"--glorious, regal, and sometimes a little hard to handle. In A Year in the Life of a Rose, Reddell shares his tips on when and how to plant, prune, feed, grow and cut all kinds of roses throughout the year. In an invaluable season-by-season survey, Reddell discusses rose care in their respective USDA geographic zones, and more.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Roses are the "queens of the garden" - glorious, regal, and sometimes a little hard to handle. But as readers of his acclaimed The Rose Bible know, Rayford Clayton Reddell is just the man to handle them. In A Year in the Life of a Rose, Reddell shares his tips on when and how to plant, prune, feed, grow, and cut all kinds of roses throughout the year - no matter where you live or how long the growing season of your region. Incorporating the advice of thirteen consultants who discuss rose care in their respective USDA geographic zones, and blossoming with Reddell's idiosyncratic opinions, A Year in the Life of a Rose reveals some of the best-kept secrets of the rose world so that readers can create a personalized schedule for year-round rose care.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Reading Reddell is like being herded through the garden by an avuncular neighbor with a passion for the rose, our official (since 1986) national flower. Gardening columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, author The Rose Bible and the owner/operator of a commercial rose nursery, Reddell delivers an irresistible blend of opinionated exuberance and practical advice. Crafted with dry wit and a disarmingly chatty style, this eminently readable guide lays out a season-by-season plan for rose culture and care and deals admirably with such potentially paralyzing topics as pruning and disbudding, discussing, along the way, the future of rose growing and the merits of some of the author's favorite cultivars. As a self-proclaimed "rose dietitian," Reddell offers tips on when and what to feed roses (Epsom salts are one of the tricks of the trade). He extends the reach of his own wide experience by drawing on that of a baker's dozen of "zonal gurus" whom he consulted for specific advice on geographic climates coast-to-coast. A glossary is included. Experts and novices alike will cheer the arrival of this handy little volume. (Nov.)

Library Journal