|
|
Some of us feel that just because it is winter that we can not plant winter flowers. There are some flowers that we can plant for a winter garden that will bloom all the through March.
 Winter Garden in a Mild Climate. Image by patrikneckman via Flickr
It may be true that flowers are very rare in extremely cold climates but there are some that are so hardy they can push through the frozen soil and a blanket of snow. There are many flowers that will endure through cool weather but there are only a few that will make it in very cold temperatures.
If the ground you are working with has already had a frost and will probably get another one it is probably too cold for a winter garden. If you have had one frost already and you do not expect another you may have a better chance. The biggest question is when will the freezing stop?
One way to get started with a winter garden is to plant a few hardy shrubs that have some brightly colored berries and there are some that will flower. Witch hazel is a flowering shrub that is very hardy and will probably bloom in December and January; they are so strong that you will notice that they still have their flowers during the snow and ice. The flower colors are usually red or yellow and have a spicy fragrance.
There are only a few superior winter roses available that will bloom in January and February and they are the Christmas Rose, Lantern Rose and the Ivory Prince. The colors of these rose range from a creamy ivory and a burgundy to a pale green. Continue reading Our Garden of Winter Flowers
 AMBER FLUSH ROSE - BAGATELLE ROSE GARDEN (PARIS, FRANCE). Image via Wikipedia
So you’ve always dreamed of having that wonderful rose garden filled with sweetly scented and gorgeously coloured blooms – but not sure where to start? Here are some basic guidelines to getting started with planting a rose garden.
Hot or Cold – what is your climate?
The first thing to do is to check with your local nursery what types of roses do best in your local climate. Some roses cannot tolerate cold, but others do quite well. It’s important that you purchase the right variety of rose that will grow well in your particular region.
Next, when you are looking for a spot in your garden to plant your roses, check for someplace that received at least six hours of sunlight a day, preferably morning sun. Yes, your roses like to sunbathe and planting them in a shady spot won’t do them any favours.
There are more shade tolerant varieties, so if you really can’t offer a sunny spot you need to research those types of roses who can take less sun. Unfortunately though, these shade tolerant varieties are often more prone to disease. Continue reading Where, When and How to Plant a Rose Garden
 Image via Wikipedia
For many years, lovers have given roses and poets have written of their merits. Now, you may be considering showing how much you love roses by planting your own rose bushes. No doubt you’ve heard a lot about how to take care of roses – the diseases to watch out for and the ways to prune them.
While it may sound pretty complicated, you’ll find that planting your own rose bush is much easier than you think. If you take the following guidelines into consideration and use them, you’ll be sure to do a great job and have a beautiful rose bush that will look wonderful.
Things to Do Before Planting Your Rose Bush
If you are waiting for spring to arrive so you can plant your rose bush, there are some things that you may want to do. You may want to start thinking about the types of bushes you want for your rose garden.
There are hundreds of different rose bushes that you can choose from and it may be a bit difficult to make your choice. You may want to visit a nursery in your area to find out more about bushes.
Also, look for friends and neighbors that have beautiful bushes and find out what types of bushes they are growing. Make sure that you know whether a certain bush is prone to disease or if it takes a lot of attention as well before making your choice.
 Image via Wikipedia
Before committing your plants to the ground, take some time to observe the sun and shade patterns in your yard, garden, or any landscape parcel on which you intend to grow roses. Mark those spots that experience direct sunlight for at least six hours daily, ideally with the majority of sun exposure occurring in the morning.
Get an understanding of the soil quality you need to grow roses. If you have not grown roses in your yard before, you can take a soil sample to your local garden center for analysis to see what, if any preparation it needs to become rose-friendly.
A specific soil consistency with low sand and clay content, and good drainage is the best suited for rose planting. Choosing the right soil is important because of the rose plant’s complex root system, which needs a soil that provides enough give for root growth, and is able to sustain the natural fungi and other organisms that are vital to the plant’s health.
The deep roots of rose plants need unobstructed access to water. About an inch a week of deep watering should keep your roses healthy and blooming all season.
Water deeply to make sure the roots can access it; shallow watering will not provide the hydration you roses need; water needs to make it to the subsoil at least to benefit the plants.
The best soil for roses contains a natural system of bacteria and other organisms that your roses need to grow and blossom. When preparing the soil for your rose garden, make sure your new plants will not be competing with existing plants in the vicinity for water and nutrients. Continue reading A Guide to Planting Roses
The perfect time for planting roses is when the ground is soft. This is most generally just before spring or early spring. It’s a wonderful site to see roses blooming. Often are they adored, not only for their aroma but for the beauty of a well cared for rose.
Planting roses can be done is most places, but to get the best looking roses, they need a bit of special care. Following these tips will give you some information on how to successfully plant and care for the roses.
1. Because roses need to have at least 4 to 6 hours sunlight each day, it’s best to find a place that is clear of anything that might block the sunlight from getting to them. Be sure the place you have chosen is clear of trees and other plants.
The roots of the nearby plants may become entwined with the roots of the rose plant and stunt it’s progress or growth. If you choose to remove and old rose bush and replace it with a new one, consider removing about ½ of the existing dirt or compost and adding some new fresh dirt with some compost mixed in. This way the new plant will have a good start on its new life. Continue reading 5 Tips For Caring For Roses
 Spider mite. Image via Wikipedia
Rose gardening is an extremely rewarding part of the home landscape that has somehow gotten a reputation for being difficult to maintain and grow. Don’t let this rumor discourage you, because while rose gardening can be challenging, once you get started, it is an extremely enjoyable experience.
Rose gardening is not that much different than any other type of plant gardening. Good, healthy soil and a prime planting area is the most important thing. The planting methods are the same as any other shrub whether your roses are bare-root or container-grown. 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 dig is large enough for the root growth of the rose and it’s also a good idea to use compost or mulch.
Roses need the same things as other plants; they just need more of it. 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. Don’t over-fertilize (follow fertilizer instructions) and water after each feeding.
The main thing to remember in rose gardening is to water, water, and water some more. Roses require large amounts of water; a thorough watering twice a week should be enough.
An essential part of any flower gardening project is pruning because 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.
Following is a list of pests and diseases to look out for, along with solutions to keep your roses healthy. Continue reading Rose Gardening – Tips for Successful Rose Gardening
 Image via Wikipedia
Roses are beautiful. They are colourful and can definitely brighten a room. They come in so many different colors and are so attractive to look at. Folks enjoy giving them to those they love and most people love to receive them also.
They can be given for many alternative reasons. There are lover roses and closeness roses and many variations in between. They make great Valentines presents, gifts and even a ‘just because I like you’ gift.
But what about those of us who love to grow roses. Growing them means you can enjoy them for much longer then a couple of days before they die. Roses take some special care to flourish. In this piece we’ll give you a few tips for caring for roses.
The 1st and perhaps most critical step in caring for roses is to make certain the roses you have selected will grow in your area. Not all roses are meant for assorted climates. Some may need a different climate then where you live. Continue reading Easy Rose Care Tips
Successful rose garden care starts with the soil. Although there are a variety of factors that influence the growth of a healthy rose plant, starting with the best soil for your roses will make it easier for you in the end.
Soil does not only serve as the anchor for your roses, it is also the main source of nutrition for your plants. In this article, we discuss with you the considerations to keep in mind when preparing the soil. These are: pH level, type of soil, and mulch.
The pH Level
A soil’s pH level can be tested by purchasing home testing kits from the nearest gardening supply center. If you are inexperienced in this area, it is better to send a sample of your garden soil to testing laboratories designed to do exactly just that. The pH level is important because it determines the acidity or alkalinity of a certain soil sample. Continue reading Secrets on Creating the Best Rose Soil to Ensure Excellent Rose Garden Care
 Image via Wikipedia
Organic rose gardening takes a little extra effort, but is well worth the time. Roses are like girls – they can be a tiny fussy on occasion, but with the correct tender loving care they can add beauty and grace to too any situation.
Many people are misled into thinking that growing something organically basically means no chemicals are made use of. That is true, but there truly is a bit more to it than that.
Though roses have developed a rep for being fussy, the fact of the case is you can grow gorgeous organic roses, just as you can organically cultivate any plant, if you practice excellent plant husbandry ( that implies use your green thumb ) and give roses everything they’re looking for, and none of what they’re not! Continue reading Organic Rose Gardening Tips
 Rosa "Shinsetsu", a climbing rose. "Shinsetsu"means fresh snow in Japanese. Created by :w:en:Seizo Suzuki in 1969. Image via Wikipedia
Growing climbing roses is actually not so hard. They are much like ordinary roses only that they can climb up and around the area in which they are planted. But, these types of roses do not actually grow like vines that can support their own; they would need outside forces to get them to do it.
These types of roses do not have their own support structures like other climbing plants, so they are not true climbing plants. These flowers may need a little extra attention, but with the right steps it can be a breeze. You don’t have to prune these for years either. You heard it, years.
Climbing roses go by many different names such as ramblers, ever-blooming roses, pillars, and trailing roses, but they all mean the same thing. They are a great addition for fences, archways, or anything else in and around your garden.
To put these roses on your structures you can wind or loosely attach them. They are popular to add to walls, arbors, pillars, sheds, trellises or other large, sturdy things. When laterally growing rather than vertically grown, they have a greater amount of blooms. Continue reading Growing Climbing Roses
|
|
