Restoration of the Cranford Rose Garden

In 2005, a mysterious syndrome called rose rosette disease (RRD) was first detected in the Cranford Rose Garden. Often referred to as the witch’s-broom of roses, the disease, which is caused by an unknown pathogen, causes irregular, distorted growth, drastic decline, and eventual death of infected roses. Beyond its devastating impact, not much is known about this disease. As it began to spread through the Cranford collection, staff decided to undertake a preemptive renovation to preserve the health of uninfected roses and replace those species that had already been lost.

In an effort to arrest the spread of RRD, plants with symptoms were removed, and areas with a concentration of infection were planted with species other than roses. As visitors to the Garden last year may have noticed, a bright mix of annuals and perennials grew in these fallow areas, which encouraged beneficial insect populations. The beds’ soil was also extensively amended with organic compost and manure.

Restoration planting of the once-infected beds began this spring. With a focus on preserving and rehabilitating BBG’s historic collection, as well as increasing the number of modern roses on display, five sections of roses were planted in an area previously riddled with disease. These new beds feature plants collected from all over the world, organized by breeder or type, including a section of found roses and roses bred by Rudolph Geschwind, W. Kordes’ Söhne, David Austin, and early American breeders. These new roses will take three to five years to mature to their full beauty.

As the renovation of the Cranford Rose Garden continues during 2011, a mixture of annuals and perennials will again be incorporated into the rose beds to provide habitat for the beneficial insects that reduce the need for chemical treatments in the garden. These companion plants also provide pleasing color combinations with the roses and cover bare spots in the beds where labor-intensive weeding would otherwise be needed.

Thanks to the contributions of staff and volunteers who have worked on this renovation, the Garden has significantly improved the vigor of the collection of roses on display at BBG. To learn more about the collection, visit Cranford Rose Garden.