How to Make an English Rose Garden in America

Inspect the selected area to decide the shape of the rose garden. Roses thrive in six hours of more sunlight daily, and in well-draining soils with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. Ensure site meets the requirements.

Design the garden on paper prior to digging up the soil to decide the position of beds, walkways, entrance, trellises, fountain, benches and other elements you want to include in the garden. Decide the number and shapes of the flower beds, keeping them symmetrical and identical. Depending on personal taste make a large circular flower bed in the center of the garden with similar-shaped beds all around, or a draw a waterfall or fish pond in the middle to serve as a focal point, surrounded by symmetrical flower beds. Include pathways between flower beds, a rose arbor or archway filled with roses at the entrance and any other features you like.

Spread powdered chalk over the area to outline for each flower bed. Keep the beds identical in shape and size. Till the soil in each flower bed to a depth of 4 to 6 inches and add an even layer of peat moss or compost.

Remove 2 inches of soil from the area around the flower beds to form a path. Spread pea gravel, stones, tiles or wood over the excavated area for the pathway.

Plant roses in each flower bed. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball of each plant but two times as wide. Lower a transplant into a hole, spreading its roots in all directions. Add soil to cover the roots and tamp down to remove air pockets. Group same-colored flowers in one bed, or mix different colors for a vibrant display.

Edge each flower bed with rocks, stone, wood, metal or other edging material of your choice. Dig a trench around the edge of each flower bed, as wide as the material selected but 1/2 inch shorter. Stand the edging material into the trench and firm it with soil. Repeat the process to edge all the beds.

Insert a wooden lattice trellis 6 inches into the ground, directly behind each climbing rose variety. The structure supports the canes during their ascent and enhances appeal at vertical height.

Install a rose arbor over the rose garden's entrance. Place the arbor next to the entrance, and plant fragrant roses that grow and fill the area with their beauty. Place benches, garden statues and bird baths over key points to add depth and drama. Also use planters and pots filled with roses.