FOLLOWING THESE TIPS will save you time and frustration, and will actually increase your enjoyment of roses. I learned by personal experience over the years that many of the recommended procedures for rose-care are only myths! There are a few essentials, but basically if the right rose varieties are planted in the right locations with ample water and periodic feeding, they will give years and years of beauty and satisfaction.

LOCATION OF PLANTING -- Roses need good air circulation and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, preferably morning sunlight. Filtered shade after 2 pm maximizes flower color and increases flower longevity in hot, dry areas. This step is important: it can save you lots of time and effort -- and unnecessary aggravation.

BAREROOT PLANTS -- Available only in winter, but easy to work with if you follow the rules: Choose plants with plump stems. Break off any sprouts. Cut back stems to only 8-10 inches. (Removing the sprouts and cutting back the stems were hard lessons for me to learn, and they may seem counterproductive to you, too, as they first did to me. But I can reassure you, following these two steps will result in much stronger plants than you will have if you leave the shoots on and refuse to cut back the stems!) Next cut off any broken roots. Thoroughly mix up to one-quarter cup of granulated rose food into loose soil at the bottom of the hole. Spread roots, and plant your new rose bush with the crown (that knobby area from which all the stems come up) AT soil level in mild climates, or about two inches BELOW soil level where the ground freezes. You don't really need to worry about the size of the hole; just make sure all the roots are buried. Water the ground well, then cover the entire plant with excess soil or mulch. (Yes, the entire plant!) This acts as insulation, protecting the whole plant as new roots establish themselves. After two weeks remove this excess insulating soil. Feed again when the first flowers open.

CONTAINER-GROWN ROSES -- There are two main advantages to buying container-grown rose plants: (1) you can see their flowers before you spend your money, and (2) you may plant them practically any time of year. Before planting, mix one-fourth cup of rose food with the soil in the hole. Be careful not to break the root ball when planting. Water well to help the plant get established. Feed again about 6 weeks later.

MULCH -- Adding up to 4 inches of organic mulch, in the form of wood shavings, leaf mold, compost, or a living groundcover such as Nasturtiums or Aptenia 'Red Apple,' or even daylilies, around plants optimizes growth and reduces watering and rose diseases. The difference is amazing!