1867 was the year of the introduction of the Modern Rose. Even before this, the Old Garden Rose was extolled and appreciated. The name is hybrid tea. The more important classes of Old Garden Roses include: bourbons, noisettes, portlands, species, centifolias, albas, chinas, damasks, hybrid perpetuals, moss roses, gallicas, and teas. While majority of them have their origins in Europe and Asia, some are from the United States. Many call it “Old Fashioned” or “Antique Roses” but these are the ancestors of some of the most trendy and modern glamorous variety of hybrids.
 
People applaud the exotic colors, tight buds and repeated blooms of the modern rose. On the contrary the “old fashioned” roses are mostly pastel colored and bloom only once. In fact, their annual bloom heralds the onset of summer.
 
These flowers are tough survivors which can withstand the coldest and the roughest weather conditions. They have unparallel surviving ability. Be that as it may, even Old Garden Roses need optimum planting conditions. For instance, minimum six hours of sunlight everyday, plantation in an open space, not under any major shady area and the soil needs to be pre-treated with proper draining and fertilizers.

There are many who do not give fertilization enough importance. But to grow healthy roses, soil preparation is of paramount importance. Before planting,  large quantity of organic material like manure, should be added to the soil of the flower bed. This ensures adding nutritional value to the soil as well as helps in water drainage. It is recommended that the garden soil must be kept ready months ahead of the rose plantation, so that the nutrients get enough time to settle down. Roses need this rich soil to grow.
 
Next, after you have readied the soil adequately, its time to plant the roses. It might seem a little dirty work, but the work is simple and easy. First, dig a hole that is about 8 inches in depth. Take the plant out gently from the plastic container. Untangle any loose root with your fingers. Place the plant into the hole. Fill up the hole with any loose soil. Do not add any nutrient at this stage. Just make sure that the soil has enough water. Water your plant everyday for the next three weeks. If the soil looks a little dry, sprinkle water immediately.
 
Though many find the looks of mulch slightly repelling, it could be your best friend in garden maintenance. It helps hold moisture and repels weeds .So your plants look radiantly green during summer. Since these plants are tough, do not worry too much about any diseases, till of course you locate odd spots on the leaves. While the old garden roses can resist diseases, it does not mean it can not contract any disease whatsoever. It is rare though, that any disease can completely destroy the plants. They can take care of themselves and born tough.
 
The old garden roses are an age-old favorite. With its gentle fragrance which soothes the senses, try any of the varieties that are available. It brings pure joy.