For The Love Of Roses; Romancing The Seed

As you can see from the titles, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden group has a sense of humor. They also pack a lot of informational punch in these two excellent programs. Hosted by Elvin McDonald, these information/entertainment videos are the first two entries in a series designed to aid the budding gardener. For the Love of Roses introduces viewers to a year in the life of Stephen Scanniello, rosarian of the Cranford Rose Garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Following the seasons, Scanniello demonstrates how to cultivate roses, from initial planting to protecting against the myriad insect invaders and diseases which threaten the rose. In addition to the in-depth instruction, viewers are treated to one of the most beautiful sights in America: the Cranford Rose Garden, which was built in 1927, and holds some 10,000 roses in over 800 varieties. Romancing the Seed focuses on the stunning array of seeds available for green thumbers. Several of the leaders in the seed industry are interviewed, including George B. Park of the Park Seed Company and Stephen Frowine of the W. Atlee Burpee Company. In addition, Dr. Ellen Henke ably demonstrates how to start and care for plants grown from seed. Both videos would be a welcome addition to any libraries how-to collection, and they are both highly recommended. (Available from: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225.)