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This review was written by James Delahanty.]
Ray Reddell is writing a series of small books for Chronicle Press under the general label of 'A Passion for Roses.' Heirloom Gardens is one of the series; other entrants include All-American Roses (1998), Miniature Roses (1998), and Cut-Flower Roses (1999). How Reddell can oversee the operation of Garden Valley Ranch with 8000 roses, produce columns for the San Francisco Chronicle and write even small books involves one of those time management mysteries that elicit sheer envy in mere mortal beings.
This is a small book with great charm. Roughly half of the 96 pages are full-page, luscious photographs by Saxon Holt. Of the 80-plus roses discussed in the text, some rate as little as one sentence; the most detailed discussion rarely requires more than two short paragraphs. Unlike most authors, Ray Reddell does not explode in verbiage with each successive book or collection of essays. He exercises a skilled hand at apt description within very narrow confines. But then it is to be expected that the coiner of the phrase "roses from hell" ('Sterling Silver', 'Chrysler Imperial' and 'Tropicana') will provide readable prose. And he does. With reference to 'La Ville de Bruxelles': "Fragrance is downright decadent." He notes of 'Frau Karl Druschki' that the bloom is "... pure white except for a kiss of lemon at the base of each petal." And when he quotes from others the citation is memorable for being both precise and felicitous. Thus, Graham Stuart Thomas' phrase about the "shoulder of leaves" describes the dense foliage just beneath the blooms of the Portland class. Or M.F.K. Fisher's metaphor explains the effect of the blossoms of 'Gold of Ophir' as a "moon on fire."
In some forty pages Species, Antique and Reblooming roses before 1867 are briefly discussed with commendations and cautions about particular roses of each class. Short sections on planting, maintence and pruning elicit the general rule that the older the rose, the less fuss necessary. Reblooming roses are explained as more care-intensive because of the energy depleted in multiple bloom cycles; he notes that Hybrid Perpetuals can be every bit as high maintenance as the "prissiest" of modern Hybrid Teas. Pruning is recommended in terms of defoliation two weeks prior to actual cutting of canes. The amount of pruning suggested for some 19th century roses (up to half the cane length) slightly exceeds the more common one third cut back rate of most authors, but does not seem excessive.
Although there are a couple of uncorrected typographical errors, these do not detract from the charming qualities of the book; in fact, they may even intensity them ('Old Blush' is captioned as 'Old Bush). However, this is neither a book for the experienced rosarian nor the clueless beginner. It is very clearly a book designed as a gift or series of gifts. In our house this would be a "stocking stuffer;" a gift of such size and moment as to indicate regard for the recipient, but not an abiding commitment. But a gift that would definitely deserve an equally charming reader.
