A rose is a perennial flowering shrub or vine of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae, that contains over 100 species. The species form a group of erect shrubs, and climbing or trailing plants, with stems that are often armed with sharp thorns. Natives, cultivars and hybrids are all widely grown for their beauty and fragrance

Monday, March 24, 2008

Gardening: Rose Gardening


by Nicholas Tan

Roses have gotten a bad wrap over the years for being difficult to grow and maintain. If you are thinking of rose gardening don’t let this rumor stop you. While rose gardening can prove to be challenging, once you get the hang of it, it really isn’t that bad.

When you first start rose gardening, you will have to choose what type of rose you wish to plant, and no, I’m not talking about the color. You will have to choose between bare-root, pre-packaged, and container-grown roses. Bare-root roses are sold in the winter and early spring. They should be planted as soon as frosts are over and the ground is warm and workable. Pre-packaged roses are bare-root plants that are sold in a bad or box with something around the roots to retain moisture, such as sawdust. Container-grown roses are grown; you guessed it, in containers. They will be either budding or already in bloom when they become available in the early spring.

Planting in rose gardening is not that much different than any other type of plant. The most important thing, as always, is good, healthy soil and a prime planting area. It doesn’t matter whether your roses are bare-root or container-grown, the planting methods are the same as any other shrub. Make sure the spot you choose has good drainage, gets plenty of sunlight, and will not overcrowd your roses. Before planting, any dead leaves and thin or decayed shoots need to be cut off. Any damaged or very long roots also need to be trimmed. Soak bare-root roses in water about 10-12 hours to restore moisture in the roots before planting and water the soil before planting as well. Make sure the hole you have dug is large enough for the root growth of the rose. Also it is a good idea to use compost or mulch. After all, roses like extra nutrients just like any other plant.

Roses need the same things as other plants; they are just a bit needier. One of the most important things to remember in rose gardening is that roses are heavy feeders and will need several fertilizer applications. Fertilizing should be started in early spring and discontinued in early fall. Make sure not to over-fertilize (fertilize should come with instructions) and water after each feeding. Roses require large amounts of water; a thorough watering twice a week should be enough.

Pruning is an essential part to flower gardening. It increases blooms and encourages healthy plant growth. Different varieties of roses have different instructions for pruning, so you might want to read up on your rose types and see what is suggested.

The main thing to remember in rose gardening is to water, water, and water some more. One other thing about rose gardening is the amount of fertilizer and nutrients you will need to use, and the pruning that needs to be done to keep your roses under control and healthy. Even though rose gardening takes a little more time and roses are more work, they are one of the most unique and beautiful plants, and definitely worth the extra work.

About the Author
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Source: goarticles.com

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The tea rose

by Cheryl Hanlon

The tea rose is a very small type of rose and it doesn't get a lot of hype. This is not a plant that is going to take a lot of your time when it comes to pruning, but it still is a rose bush. You'll still need to take care of it like a rose bush. You'll need to watch how you plant it, and you'll need to do weeding, but that is any plant. You'll also want to prune it every now and then just so that it will grow and continue to bloom. You'll find that the tea rose is not a strong rose bush at all.

The wind may hurt it a little. You don't want to sacrifice your investment, so you may need to stake the plant every now and then or give it shelter. You'll want to keep in mind that these hybrid roses are less expensive then most rose bushes, however, you'll need to plant them very carefully in order to keep them going. They will need some TLC the first year that you have planted them; however, you'll need to also consider that they are hardy plants. Every year they are growing stronger and stronger.

These flowers are typically white, pink, red, yellow, and green. They are on the lighter side, but there are a lot of plants that you'll be able to grow that are also on the lighter side. You'll be able to continue to stick with your color scheme. You'll also want to consider that the tea rose will change the look of your garden as well. You'll find that the hybrid rose bush will add some grace and elegance to the garden, just because they have the class of normal roses.

For those who are thinking about landscaping and have children, you'll want to consider having the hybrid roses. They are thorn-less, but also you'll find that they are just as easy to fence in. You'll also want to consider the hybrid roses if you have a small backyard or space. You'll find that with the smaller bushes you'll be able to keep the yard looking alive and welcoming, but it also won't over power the yard either.

Some of the drawbacks to this type of rose is the fact that it is a rose. Often, there are people who will plant these flowers because they feel that it would easier for them to have, however, a garden means work. You'll need to work at it in order to keep it looking nice. You'll find that there are many other plants that need just as much as attention, but they do not deliver the beauty and the grace of hybrid roses.

About the Author
Cheryl is a freelance garden and greenhouse writer. Find more articles about gardening from Cheryl at http://www.greenhouses.com and at http://www.backyardliving.com. Happy Gardening!

Source: goarticles.com

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Rose Gardening -Tips on How to Grow Roses in Your Garden

by tracy ballisager

The ancient Muslim poet, jurist, and theologian, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, may not have stumbled madly upon the very first rose back in 13th century Persia but he certainly immortalized it poignantly in his writing.

Roses are believed to have originated in ancient Persia but their cultivation quickly spread across the Northern Hemisphere, first from China to Europe and finally to North America. Rose enthusiasts throughout time and geography have helped to spread the cultivation and the adoration of this arrestingly lovely flowers to the point that, today, there are more than 20,000 varieties available.

Roses run the gamut of the color spectrum. They come in every color, including the elusive blue and black ones that have dogged rose breeders for ages. Every shade of every color is represented, too, with many rose blossoms sporting multiple colors or shades.

These enchanting plants have been bred to grow straight and tall or trail over slopes and fences. Some roses grow close to the ground while others become bushy. Many rosebushes bloom once in the spring or summer, others bloom again in the fall, and others still bloom from early spring until winter.

Diversity aside, a few rose gardening tips might improve your rose-growing success.
Planting is the first step to consider when compiling a list of rose gardening tips. Folklore tells us to plant flowering plants when the moon is in a waxing phase. Indeed all plants that produce their most desirable growth above ground are said to be best planted during the time the moon is growing into its biggest, most visible, phase.

(In turn, plant carrots, potatoes, and other plants where underground action is most desirable when the moon is waning, or becoming less visible.)

Trim your hair, visit your barber, or comb your dog the day before planting your roses. This, another of folklore rose gardening tips, ensures you have a bit of hair to mix in with the soil in which you plant your roses. Decomposing hair is said to provide excellent fertilizer for thriving roses.

Sunshine is one of the most important rose gardening tips. Make sure to plant your roses, always during their dormant phase, in a spot where they can get at lease six hours of full sun every day.
Rose gardening tips include trees, too. Keep your roses away from tree roots, especially deciduous trees, or they will divert the nutrients of the soil from your hungry roses

About the Author
Tacy Ballisager is stays at home mum, who loves gardening .To read more about gardening tips and idea go to http://www.gardening-tips-idea.com

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Caring For Climbing Rose Bushes Couldn't Be Easier

by Sylvia Barnes

Caring for climbing rose plants is incredibly easy. Although growing traditional roses does take skill and special care, climbing roses are a bit easier for the beginning gardener to handle which makes them a great place to start.

One of the joys of including roses in your garden is undoubtedly the fragrance they provide as well as the beautiful flowers. Who wouldn't love going outside and basking in the beauty and fragrance of a luscious rose-filled garden?

Besides adding beauty, the climbing variety in particular can also solve some of your home improvement projects. For example, does your view at home include the plain, ugly wall of a building - maybe a garage or utility shed? Or maybe you have a fence that, while still functional, has seen better days.

Due to the fact that rose vines grow up rather than out, they are the perfect solution to many of these landscaping eye-sores. Although there are many types of plants that can grow with climbing vines, roses are perhaps the most beautiful flower to be had. Why not go for the best and solve your problem with style?

Climbing roses are not difficult to grow. In fact, they can be downright simple - just make sure they will have plentiful sunshine, nutrient-dense soil and of course, a place to climb such as a trellis or fence. The best part of all for gardeners who are impatient is that these vines will grow quickly.

In order for your vine-filled trellis or fence to look its best, take care to perform the occasional pruning. Shaping your rose vines is not difficult, but you'll need to make sure they are properly trained to grow to the structure you've attached them to. You'll experience the most enjoyment from your flowers when you take these simple steps to ensure proper growth.

It should be noted that climbing roses are not the same as the variety you cut and use in bouquets. They are meant to be enjoyed in their natural, on-the-vine state. Keep that in mind when choosing the best location for your plants - you want to get as much enjoyment from them as possible.

One of the best things about roses is the variety available to choose from. The colors, sizes and types are nearly unlimited.

A favorite for those who hate rose thorns is the Zephirine Drouhin rose. Although not completely thorn-free, this purplish flower has almost thornless stems. With a sweet fragrance and beautiful bloom, this rose is sure to make an impression.

If you want to have a colorful and fragrant garden, consider adding one or more climbing rose bushes to the layout. And the beauty of it is, because these plants are so easy to manage, your friends and neighbors will think you have the greenest thumb on the block.

About the Author
Visit GreenThumbCorner.com at http://www.GreenThumbCorner.com for more information about climbing roses and other lawn and garden needs.