The Rose Rustlers
Sep 2017 · Texas A&M University Press
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In The Rose Rustlers, Greg Grant and William C. Welch offer a personal, in-depth, and entertaining account of some of the great stories gathered during their years as participants in one of the most important plant-hunting efforts of the twentieth century—the quest to save antique roses that disappeared from the market in a notoriously trend-driven business.
By the 1950s, almost exclusively, modern roses (those with one compact bloom at the top of a large stem) were grown for the cut-flower market. The large rounded shrubs and billowy fence climbers known to our grandparents and great-grandparents in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries had been reduced to this rather monotonous single style of plant.
Yet those roses of old still grew, tough and persistent, in farmyards, cemeteries, vacant lots, and abandoned fields. The rediscovery of these antiques and the subsequent movement to conserve them became the mission of “rose rustlers,” dedicated rosarians who studied, sought, cut, and cultivated these hardy survivors.
Here, the authors chronicle their own origins, adventures, and discoveries as part of a group dubbed the Texas Rose Rustlers. They present tales of the many efforts that have helped restore lost roses not only to residential gardens, but also to commercial and church landscapes in Texas. Their experiences and friendships with other figures in the heirloom rose world bring an insider’s perspective to the lore of “rustling,” the art of propagation, and the continued fascination with the world’s favorite flower.
By the 1950s, almost exclusively, modern roses (those with one compact bloom at the top of a large stem) were grown for the cut-flower market. The large rounded shrubs and billowy fence climbers known to our grandparents and great-grandparents in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries had been reduced to this rather monotonous single style of plant.
Yet those roses of old still grew, tough and persistent, in farmyards, cemeteries, vacant lots, and abandoned fields. The rediscovery of these antiques and the subsequent movement to conserve them became the mission of “rose rustlers,” dedicated rosarians who studied, sought, cut, and cultivated these hardy survivors.
Here, the authors chronicle their own origins, adventures, and discoveries as part of a group dubbed the Texas Rose Rustlers. They present tales of the many efforts that have helped restore lost roses not only to residential gardens, but also to commercial and church landscapes in Texas. Their experiences and friendships with other figures in the heirloom rose world bring an insider’s perspective to the lore of “rustling,” the art of propagation, and the continued fascination with the world’s favorite flower.
In The Rose Rustlers, Greg Grant and William C. Welch offer a personal, in-depth, and entertaining account of some of the great stories gathered during their years as participants in one of the most important plant-hunting efforts of the twentieth century—the quest to save antique roses that disa...
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1 review
Alan Brandes
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November 19, 2024
This was my parents passion, Marion and Frances Brandes was deeply involved in the Texas Rose Rustlers we had over 400 roses from 26 different countries through the years and at relatives houses as well from gifting. We moved from Huffman to Kerrville... which we had tons of pots and cuttings to where we got a house on the hill w/10 acres. I made my Father and Mother a whole new extravagant garden with about 100 plants. People use to think we spent tons of money on it and actually not because we obtained most from rustling, and free labor from me since I was young.... some people just love it and make a big hobby from it... and I'm wondering how many could learn how to save $$ by learning how to propagate. Roses are $25-$50 now besides rarities. I have over 200 kodak slides from '88-'93 that have heirloom names and such all written on each slide I am turning to digital with editing name on each pic for my parent legacy and will give to places who might want documented blooms. I am Alan Brandes and just had something to note..... carry on with this wonderful hobby fellow rosarians!!!
About the author
GREG GRANT is the Smith County horticulturist for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. WILLIAM C. WELCH is professor and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service landscape horticulturist in the department of horticultural science, Texas A&M University.
GREG GRANT is the Smith County horticulturist for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Tyler. WILLIAM C. WELCH is professor and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service landscape horticulturist in the department of horticultural science, Texas A&M University.
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