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Petal Power - Five Uses for Rose Petals
It might surprise you to find out that rose petals can be used for a variety of different purposes. Some uses have a common everyday application, such as beautifying our gardens and walkways, while other uses are more unusual, such as using them for therapy...
Perfumed Posies - Ten most Popular Fragrant Roses
The rose attracts people to it for its unique shape, but you've got to admit, most people are attracted for its smell primarily. It's the smell that drives women to request it for a birthday or anniversary celebration. Roses are the premier way to say I love...
How to Grow Wildflowers
In the past few years I've read about and have seen more interest in wildflowers, so I figure it's about time I jump in and add my two cents. I have watched in despair as...
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Cute Ideas That Can Save You Money on Your Planting
There are many interesting ideas that can help you save money on your planting and landscaping. Most of these ideas involve a little creativity, but you end up with an attractive and distinctive yard. And some of the ideas look nice and can save you money in...
Pretty in Pink - Top Ten Varieties of Pink Roses for a Gorgeous Garden
Pink roses are very beautiful and can add a sort of unique touch to any garden. They come in many varieties, ranging from pale to dark to almost electric. There are varieties that bloom only once per season and those that bloom continuously in cycles from...
Persnickety Pests: Ten Creepy Crawly Enemies of Roses
If you are having problems with your roses, insects may be responsible. They can do a lot of damage if you do nothing to chase them away. Here is an overview of ten creepy crawly enemies of roses and some ways to identify them.
1. Aphids
Aphids...
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Cut it out - Ten Timely Tips for cutting your Roses
There is nothing more refreshing than a bouquet full of lively, sweet smelling roses. Very few other plants can be displayed as beautifully as roses can. The powerful aromas and buds blossoming further into existence can brighten up the gloomiest of days. Enjoy a vase of red roses in the middle of the dinner table or an arrangement of yellow roses perched on your bureau. Fresh cut roses will fill your living spaces with positive, natural energy.
Of course, that sad day when you have to throw the cut roses away will eventually come. Wouldn't it be wonderful if that serenity could be maintained forever? Well, you may not be able to keep your roses alive forever but you can do the next best thing. Keep your roses fresh for the longest time possible by cutting them properly.
You don't have to be a major Rosarian or a head gardener to cut roses. But it help if you know that there is a procedure to cutting roses that will yield better results than just snipping them and throwing them in a vase. By following a few easy steps you can keep your fresh cut roses alive and beautiful for longer.
First, before you head out into the garden, find a bucket and put an ample amount of hot water in it. Also take a holding container with hot water with you. Put the roses in the bucket and cut off about half an inch at an angle below the water line. Leave the roses in the water for ten seconds. Then move them to the holding container and leave them there until the water cools to room temperature.
Flowers with longer stems should be chosen so you can trim them again to fill out an arrangement. Use clean shears that are very sharp for precise cuts. And always cut above the bud to insure that future growth is not stunted. You want to be able to cut more roses in the future.
The best time to cut roses is when temperatures are cooler. So you
need to either get up with the roosters, or wait until after late in the afternoon. This is when the bloom and upper cane of the rose will have the most plant sugar in it. The worst time to cut roses is midday or whenever temperatures are hot. Carefully search for the roses that are on the verge of their optimum stage of development. Pick buds that are opening but are not completely in bloom.
Don't be overzealous and cut off too many leaves at once. You want a full arrangement, but you don't want to harm your roses. If you don't leave at least three leaves on a rose stem you will starve the plant.
Discard any leaves that will end up sitting below the water line in the vase. Your roses will need more than water to survive once cut. Your roses will need a little extra help to maintain their stellar good looks. Be sure to add a floral preservative. Or if you don't have any immediately handy, mix a bit of lemon juice and sugar together and drip it into the vase.
Roses need a tidy bowl to live in. Refresh the water every time it begins to get dirty. Also, allow your roses to get acclimated to their new environment before they wilt. Store the cut roses in a shady low temperature area before you show them off and whenever you leave the house.
If your roses start to wilt don't panic. Try cutting the ends of the stems again and place them in clement water for an hour or so. This should help water travel better through the stems and put off wilting for a while. One more tip for rose life span extension is to store the roses in the refrigerator over night. This will preserve your roses for an optimum amount of time.
Roses are very favorable flowers to cut. These simple, easy steps will make a difference in their life span once cut. If you furnish them with a favorable environment they will last much longer than most flowers after being cut.
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