Question
I have an area where the neighbor used to dump ashes from a coal fire.  It also is adjacent to several large pine trees.  It is an open sunny area.  Is this usitable for growing roses?  If so, what kind would you recommend?  Thank you.

Answer
Roses like a soil that is on the acid side. Wood ashes tend to make the soil very alkaline. In this type of soil the rose leaves will go yellow and the bush will be stunted.
Pine trees are very greedy when it comes to water and they will win over the roses. You could grow any plant that hates acid soil such as Carnations, Asters, Peonies, Catmint, Salvia. Oriental or Shirley poppies. You could even try some clematis up the pine trees. I am sorry but roses just won't grow well in that area. Hope this helps.