Gauntlet gloves. We had a whole discussion on gloves a while back, but I can't find it now. There is an older discussion below.

Ah, found it (thanks Google!): WATERPROOF rose gloves???

Also, a good pair of hand pruners (secateurs) or even long-handled loppers, Felco makes lovely cutting tools.

Here is a link that might be useful: favorite rose gloves

Bionic gloves -- YES. Must have thorn proof coverings up to elbow.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bionic gloves

A generous gift certificate for The Antique Rose Emporium, Vintage Garden Roses, Rogue Valley Roses, or Heirloom Roses.

:) :) :) :) :) :)

Juliet

YES! A gift certificate so he can try some new ones.

What a lovely post. My day is all the better for it.

Thank you.

Thanks so much for the suggestions!

My husband also wondered if there might be a 'mighty tome' - maybe some sort of reference book that would be welcome.

An excellent question about a book on roses. A bible if you will. Someone else might be able to better address that for you but a couple of years ago I bought the below from Vintage Gardens and I cherish it. Really depends on his taste in roses however.

Kate

Here is a link that might be useful: Vintage Gardens Book of Roses

Yes, a gift certificate to one of the rose nurseries mentioned above (also add Roses Unlimited), unless you know what he has in his library. Not everyone uses gloves. I have a whole pile of gloves I never use and duplicate books that people have given me for which I try to find new homes. Tools are useful, but people are choosey about tools and, again, I have a stockpile of tools I don't really use.
The one thing no one ever gives me is the one thing I want--a gift certificate for roses, despite my many dropped hints about my favorite suppliers.

I have an aunt who is a gardener and she's the only one whose gifts I really appreciate. She gives me stuff like rolls of tie-ups, a bag of bone meal, fish emulsion...stuff I can really use. And when I use it, I think of her and bless her not only for what she did give, but she what didn't.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions. We'll look into the gift certificate for sure.

I also would like to add Ashdown Roses as a great place for a gift certificate as well.

Juliet

catsrose makes very good points - I'm picky about my tools, too (although as with everything, most garden folks I've given the ones that I think are the bomb appreciate them greatly, but my mother does not (is that OT for the apple tree forum?))

Otoh, before you get a gift certificate from a nursery for more roses, you might snoop around to find out if has room or wants more.

What you really need is a SPY to do some recon!!!

Felco Pruners

I prefer Corona to Felco and if someone gave me Felco I'd have to go exchange them. I need those red grips!
People who have been gardening for a long time have lots of personal preferences. If you aren't sure he wants more roses, than a gift certificate to his local nursery. There is always a need for supplies or companion plants.

Cut and hold pruners can make a nice gift for gardeners who likes cut flowers. They're especially nice for roses as they prevent cut canes from falling into the bush. I use mine most of the time. It eliminates having to reach into a thorny bush to retrieve a fallen cane.
A number of maunfacturers make them although you may need to go on-line to find a pair.