Question
I live in Ontario Canada.
My question is :-
When buying roses what is the meaning of #1,#2 etc.Is this form of grading legislated or are they arbitary.
Many thanks.
Stephen Lee

Answer
Hi, Stephen--Those numbers are grades, indicating the quality of the bush.  Number ones are the best--they should have good root systems and at minimum 3 good, strong green canes.  Number  one and one-half is next, 2-3 good canes.  It is usually not advisable to buy #2--they may not have but one good cane, and are not worth the extra trouble it takes to make them thrive.

For more information, visit the Canadian Rose Society at www.mirror.org/crs, and the American Rose Society at www.ars.org.  There are lots of friendly folks on the rose forums at GardenWeb.com, and you can always reach me here!
Margarett in Memphis