The Art of Growing and Showing Roses.

by Trevor Dalley

Modern hybrid Perpetual Roses Are They The Best?

We have noticed that over the last 20 years the world has gone mad on Roses. After a decline following the second world war, Roses seem to be back in favour. With all of the modern Hybrid Tea Roses in production there is certainly a huge amount to choose from.

Most gardens have special beds set aside for the growing of Roses, whether they are the modern H.T. types, the old favourites like shrub roses and the very quaint fairy or miniature roses, all are most suited to any growing conditions.

It is a most wonderful thing for a writer to be able to sit outside on a warm June day, in a garden where the wind is blowing softly and the perfume of rose blossoms mingles with the scent of a recently mown lawn, summer is defiantly on its way.

It would seem that we have the Rose fascination again, and how better can spare time be spent? Rose growing brings fresh beauty into sordid lives. And intensifies the interest of those that are already full.

Chance moments snatched from busy days, long working hours, how nice it is to be repaid in full and with interest just for a few hours in the autumn planting your new Rose bushes.

The Rose has increased appreciation of the beautiful, which is brought home to the Rose grower in mid summer, also, perhaps, to those who have never felt the magick attraction of these perfumed rose flowers. The rose grower is a special person who feels closer to nature.

For is it not true that many can trace their love of gardening, which rightly regarded, is no more, no less, than a practical demonstration of a real, abiding love for flowers, from the time when the rose, the queen of flowers, made her first appeal?

Many of us have been equally fascinated, and while nothing else has been able to drag us from our beds at sin in the morning, the rose has done it, and many of us now regard it as the most natural thing in the world that our roses should be first care at the beginning of each new day.

As in rose growing, or growing everything else, one has to begin at the soil, for it is the soil that nourishes the roots, the roots that feed the leaves, the leaves that support the blossoms.

Take care of the soil, might I say, and the flowers will take care of themselves. Preparation and planting is the overwhelming issue for a very productive rose bush to thrive.

If you wish to read more please go to http://dalley-nurseries-onlinehome.org it’s all free, we have a Guest Book if you would like to leave any comments.

About the Author

Trevor Dalley has been growing Fuchsias and Chrysanthemums for sale to the gardening public commercially for the last 40 years and is now ready to pass on money making knowledge to you the reader for free. http://gardendesignhelp.blogspot.com

Rose Gardening

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.