ROSES: A CELEBRATION by Rosamond Richardson (Piatkus:...

ROSES: A CELEBRATION by Rosamond Richardson (Piatkus: $10.95). “Roses” continues a centuries-old romance with this queen of flowers that cuts across national boundaries. Not only a garden guide, this slim volume meanders among the lore of the rose, covering such topics as rose windows, the rose and the rosary and the symbol of the rose in poetry and folklore. There are tips on companion planting (good go-withs include marigolds, chives, garlic, parsley, lavender and rosemary). And for the epicurean: a few tidbits on how to prepare rose-flavored dishes as well as rose water. Much of the offerings can be found elsewhere, but the combination of breadth, brevity and breezy handling of the genus Rosa should be appreciated by rosarians and non-rosarians alike.