Preface
It was not intended that the material in this book should be all-inclusive covering all phases and varieties of miniature roses. Rather, my intention has been to present miniature roses, not just from the point of view of the hobbyist or even as a commercial grower, but primarily as seen through the eyes of one whose unique experiences may throw new light on the subject. Over a period of thirty years I have hybridized, grown, and personally observed thousands of seedlings involving many different crosses. From this experience of growing and breeding I have learned many things. At the same time many questions have presented themselves concerning the "hows" and "whys."
It was this search for answers which led to my many experiments, including hours and hours of work and research over the years. The problem has not been just one of originating new varieties, for that is relatively easy.
The numerous talks and lectures, which I have given on the subject of miniature roses at local, state, and national gatherings have shown that serious gardeners need more depth material (something meatier) on the subject of miniature roses. It is impossible to deal adequately with the many phases of miniature roses in the short time allotted for such presentations.
Other objectives have been to present the history, devel.opment, culture and uses of miniatures, in a fresh, informative and informal manner both by the printed word and numerous illustrations. It was this desire to share some of the more significant discoveries, ideas and suggestions which led to the writing of this book. I hope its contents will answer your many questions about miniatures and help you share the pleasure I have had working with them.
Without the help and cooperation of many people completion of this book would not have been possible. Therefore, I extend my thanks and appreciation to all who have had a part: to those who have made available the black and white photos; to Jeanette Copley, Davis, California, who has taken my crude sketches and skillfully polished and remolded them in her own delightful style; and to Sweeney, Krist and Dimm, Portland, Oregon, for the use of the color illustrations.
For reading and checking the manuscript, I wish to. thank: Mr. Ernest Williams, Mini-Roses, Dallas, Texas; Mr. Norvell Gillespie, Berkeley, California; my friend, June Wells (for whom the rose 'June Time' was named); my son-in-law, Roland Bergthold, instructor in botany, Sierra College, Rocklin (Roseville), California; Dian Copley, my "adopted daughter" (for whom the 'Dian' rose was named) ; and my daughter, Eleanor Bergthold (for whom the 'Eleanor' rose was named).
The portion on "Forcing Miniature Roses" (see Appendix) was adapted from recommendations by the ConardPyle Company.
Finally, my gratitude and appreciation to: Janet Bly for deciphering my almost illegible script and typing the manuscript; Peggie Schulz, my editor who shares my deep interest in miniature roses; my wife, for allowing me to keep one end of our dining table cluttered with notes, papers, and books while a good part of the writing was being done; for permission to use the several quotations of verse and prose, and also to those others who for good reason could not be contacted; and to all others who in any way have helped make this book a reality, my sincere thanks.
RALPH S. MOORE
Visalia, California
April, 1966