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Your Rose Garden Planting
June 14, 2007
Posted in General Recreation & Leisure @ 11:00 amQuickly bookmark Your Rose Garden Planting at:
Sometime during the year you will probably plant roses in your rose garden. There are many opinions on how to do this but I will tell you what has worked for me. First let me distinguish planting rose into the rose garden that are dormant plants compared with those grown in pots or containers. Roses which are dormant and bare roots grow well but usually don’t bloom as long as those in the containers or pots. The latter are usually growing and not dormant. If you are buying dormant plants make sure that you are getting #1 grade. These will give you a much better crop during the summer to your rose garden. Preparing The Soil Pick an area that will get at least 5-6 hours of sunlight a day. Sun is a very important part of the growth cycle of your rose garden. The soil should be a good loam and can be mixed with some clay. The loam should be down to a depth of at least 12-15 inches. Dig the soil out for the plant so that it will fit the plant with no damage to the roots and that the first bud spike will set about an inch below the surface. I would also suggest that at the bottom of the hole you use a fork to loosen the dirt. Now The Planting Before setting the plant into the hole in the rose garden, I suggest that you mix some farm manure into the loosened dirt at the bottom. Trim any damaged roots and then set it into the hole. Now that the rose is set into the hole be sure that the loam you put put around the plant is loose as well. Fill the hole to about 2/3 - 3/4 and tap it down. Water the plant and the dirt. Let the water settle then add the rest of the loam. Be sure that the first bud spike is at least one inch below the surface. For dormant plants mound the soil over the plant so it will not dry out. For plants that were in pots or containers there is no need to mound the soil in the rose garden. It is fine to have a few inches of mulch around the plant base as this contains the moisture. Watering Roses should be watered about every 7 - 10 days and you need to water the base of the plant. If you water the flower it is easier for the plant to have disease infect it. Although this presents as a diversion from orchids it is definitely in line with our additional items we have added. Planting Season Planting can take place between mid October and mid May. You should not plant or transplant after mid May until October. Good growing in your rose garden. About the Author Bob has become fascinated with orchids. Once it gets into your bloodstream it’s hard to turn it off. Over a year ago I developed Orchids Plus More Web site full with information and also our Orchid Store. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Resource Box: Sign up for tips in our monthly Orchid Newsletter and get your copy of “All About Orchids” e-book and your 10% Discount on an orchid. orchids-plus-more/orchidaeae.html
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Use Climbing Roses For Vertical Beauty
June 7, 2007
Posted in General Recreation & Leisure @ 7:00 pmQuickly bookmark Use Climbing Roses For Vertical Beauty at:
Add drama and color to your home with climbing roses. They can be trained around a trellis, a column, or a boundary. You can even let them climb up a wall of your house. Some gardeners are leery of climbing roses because of concern that climbing roses can be damaged by cold weather; also because some types take years to reach full maturity. However, a wide selection of climbing roses can sustain harsh weather and bloom beautifully. Rose Planting Time The best time to plant any type of climbing rose is early spring. This will give your roses 6 months or more to get established before the cold sets in. Before choosing your climbing rose, get acquainted with the 3 distinct categories of climbing roses: rambling roses, trailing roses, and true climbing roses. Ramblers The most intrusive climbing roses are the ramblers. These exuberant roses can grow up to 20 feet in 1 season. Although most of the roses from ramblers are quite small, many of the newer varieties produce larger roses. Unfortunately, ramblers tend to be susceptible to mildew. Trailers If you’re looking for a climbing rose that is tougher and less prone to mildew and disease, you might prefer a trailing rose. These climbers look great planted alongside walls. You should stake them, otherwise the long canes will grow along the ground instead of upright. Trailing roses typically have blooms 2 to 3 inches in diameter. 2 of the more popular trailing roses are the cultivars and Rosa Wichurana. True Climbers If you enjoy climbing roses with large flowers, true climbers fit the bill. These types of roses produce flowers in large clusters. There are 2 categories of true climbers: bush climbers, and climbing hybrid teas. Bush climbers will bloom throughout the season, while climbing hybrid teas may last only a few weeks. The bush climber has more resistance to mildew and disease than the climbing hybrid teas. How to Plant Roses Planting your roses is an easy task. The first thing is to pick your area. The hole should be approximately 1 foot from your trellis or wall, and be about 1 foot deep by 1 foot in diameter. Once you’ve dug a hole, you’ll need to add organic matter. Well-rotted manure or compost are good. Next, carefully remove the rose from its container. If you come across tangled outer roots, gently untangle them with your fingers. Place your plant in the hole and fill it in with any extra soil. Then water it thoroughly. How To Water & Train Your Roses You should water your climbing roses at least once a week, saturating the soil. Once your rose’s canes have grown long enough to reach the trellis or arch, tie the canes to the structure. Unlike a vine, which is equipped with tendrils, climbing roses need help to attach to a structure. You can tie them with a soft cloth or string. Remember to give the canes enough room for growth and expansion. Be sure not to tie them too tightly. Choose the right climbing roses and they ll beautify your home for years to come! About The Author Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit grow-roses-now to learn more about this fascinating hobby. Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.
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How to Make Soy Candles
June 4, 2007
Posted in General Recreation & Leisure @ 9:00 amQuickly bookmark How to Make Soy Candles at:
Many people who enjoy exercising their creativity by making candles, are discovering the joys of making them from soy wax instead of the traditional paraffin. The key attraction is that soy wax can be cleaned up with plain soap and water, with no scraping off the upper half of your double boiler. In fact, all your utensils can be safely run through a cycle in the dishwasher when you’re done.
Soy candles can be made in the same metal molds or milk cartons as paraffin candles, but because they do clean up so easily, they are often made in Mason jars, which can be covered to intensify any scent you’ve added, or to keep the dust off the top. To add to the candle’s country air, you can cover the top with a gingham circle cut with pinking shears, and tuck some dried flowers into the ribbon or wool you tied the cloth “cap” onto the jar with.
Melt your soy block after cutting it in chunks, or using the flakes, which are easier to handle. If you choose to scent the candle, a good rule of thumb is to add .5-1.0 ounces of essential oils for every pound of wax. Make sure to anchor your wick in the mold or jar first, by putting a dab of melted way on the tab, and sticking it in the center of the bottom. It should be cut 2″ longer than the depth of the mold, to allow for trimming after.
Soy wax is just as easy to decorate as paraffin, so when it is starting to cool, feel free to insert sea shells, dried flowers, colored crystals or whatever takes your fancy.
About the author:
Visit http://www.learnhowtomakeit.com for instructions on how to make just about anything you can think of.
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The Rose: Christina Aguilera’s Favorite Flower?
June 1, 2007
Posted in General Recreation & Leisure @ 11:00 amQuickly bookmark The Rose: Christina Aguilera’s Favorite Flower? at:
The rose has long been a favorite flower of many women, but is it the favorite flower of Christina Aguilera? The truth is, I don’t know, but judging by the elaborate floral chuppah of brightly colored orange, yellow, and burgundy roses conspicuously present at her wedding and the thick bouquets of hot pink roses and rose petals surrounding her wedding cake, it’s a sure bet the rose ranks high on Aguilera’s list of favorite flowers. What is it about the rose that makes it such a popular floral choice and a powerful symbol of love, war, and politics? Perhaps the answers lie in its long and varied history. Fossils show that roses have existed for about 35 million years. However, cultivation of the rose for gardening purposes began about 5000 years ago in China. It didn’t take long for their popularity to spread, and during the Roman Empire, roses played a significant role in the Roman society-but not just for their beauty. Along with being admired as an ornamental piece, roses were also used for food, medicine, and perfume. As a symbol, they were used to honor heroes who would be showered with petals and attend celebrations where the floor was carpeted in petals that would release their fragrance each time a step was taken. Roses became such an important part of the Roman culture that the Romans invented the greenhouse specifically for growing roses. China and Rome were not the only areas of the world to be touched by the beauty of the rose. Roses also appear in ancient Hindu stories. In these stories, Brahma, who created the world, debated with Vishnu, who protected the world, about whether the lotus or the rose was the more beautiful flower. Brahma argued that there was no flower more exquisite than the lotus while Vishnu believed the rose to be the most beauteous. Brahma, who had never seen a rose before, conceded upon first seeing one and created a bride for Vishnu using 108 large and 1,008 small rose petals. Europe, too, fell under the spell of the beautiful rose. During the seventeenth century, they were considered so valuable that roses and rose water were used as legal tender. Josephine Bonaparte, the wife of Napoleon, was so taken by the rose that she developed an enormous collection of roses at an estate just outside of Paris. In America, roses are often associated with our own American royalty-celebrities. In fact, there are numerous roses named after American celebrities. Among them are the: * Marilyn Monroe: A gorgeous light apricot-colored rose that blooms well in hot weather. * Judy Garland: A sweetly yellow rose that blushes out to a hot orange and scarlet red. * Grace Allen: A delicately pink rose. * George Burns: A lively yellow rose striped with red. * Josephine Baker: A deep red rose with a soft fragrance. * Cary Grant: A stunning orange rose. Whether or not the rose is among Christina Aguilera’s favorite flowers, it’s clearly among the favorites of the world. About The Author Wesley Berry is the President of Wesley Berry Flowers, a successful multi-million dollar business that was established in 1946. He is also the Headmaster of the Professional Florists’ Institute, a floral design school located in Michigan. Visit Wesley Berry Flowers on the web at 800wesleys.
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Aromatherapy Candles - How to Select the Right Scent
May 21, 2007
Posted in General Recreation & Leisure @ 8:00 amQuickly bookmark Aromatherapy Candles - How to Select the Right Scent at:
Feel sad, tired, or a little bit stressed? Something as simple as an aromatherapy candle could help you relax and feel happier. But not all scented candles have this effect. Let’s find out how to select an aromatherapy candle that can lift your mood.
When you burn an aromatherapy candle, it releases small quantities of essential oils. The chemicals penetrate your body and effect your brain in a certain way. Of course an aromatherapy candle can’t cure severe depression or anxiety, but it definitely can help you to relax after a busy day at work.
Not all scented candles have a therapeutic effect. For the proper effect, only quality essential oils should be used. Essential oils are derived from plants and herbs. An aromatherapy candle should have display a label that reads “pure essential oils”
Top quality scented aromatherapy candles are made from soy wax or bees wax, not paraffin, which is the material most commonly used in cheap scented candles. It has several disadvantages - being petroleum based it releases harmful soot, which leaves ugly, dark spots on your furniture and is harmful when you inhale it. So it doesn’t make much sense to add quality natural essential oils to candles made of paraffin. Look for soy aromatherapy candles.
Which scent gives what effect?
For mental alertness and improved memory Ginger essential oils are known to promote courage, confidence, to clear the head and improve memory. So if you have a load of work or study in front of you, a ginger scented aromatic candle is a good choice. Ginger scent also helpful if you feel purposelessness, confused, or lacking direction.
Relaxation Lavender is one of the most popular scents used in aromatherapy, and for good reason - lavender will help you to relax, feel peaceful, and feel comfortable. It soothes both body and soul. Another scent for relaxation is tangerine, which not only helps you to let go of your troubles but also energizes you and makes you feel happier.
Fight anxiety Bergamot, lavender and sandalwood are said to help, if you are having anxiety attacks
To combat stress If stress is a constant part of your life, try to burn a chamomile, lavender or sandalwood scented candle. They produce a calming effect
For a happy mood If you are feeling sad for no apparent reason, a bergamot scented candle can lift your mood. Bergamot has many effects - it helps you to calm down, relax and feel happy.
An aromatherapy candle can make you feel happier in many ways. The essential oils not only interact with your body, but seeing a warm and peaceful candle and inhaling a pleasant smell also has a positive psychological effect. Give yourself a treat.
About the Author
Tanya Turner is a candle-making expert and a founder of www.BestScentedCandles.info, where you can find information about all types of candles, how to make them and where to get best aromatherapy candles
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Some Facts To Consider Before Growing Tea Roses
May 19, 2007
Posted in General Recreation & Leisure @ 3:00 pmQuickly bookmark Some Facts To Consider Before Growing Tea Roses at:
Before you start growing tea roses, you must realize that tea roses are not a cold climate rose. They must be grown in a warmer climate like Florida. They simply don t have the necessary winter protection that some cold climate flowers have. And if this is your first time growing tea roses, you must realize that they are not good for the novice gardener, Where-as Landscape Roses are GREAT for the novice gardener, they are disease resistant, and require a little bit less maintenance. But if you like Climbing Roses, you might want to consider growing tea roses, or Hybrid Teas as they are often called. These roses are different from the regular roses that are planted as they are trained to grow upward like vines. Most people like to use these for trellises, or buildings. Some of the others are wichuraine, and large flowered climbers. They are a beautiful addition to the look of one s house. And If you are hoping to make your roses into bouquets, you will want to know if they can be cut. Hybrid teas can. Where-as some other types of roses will fall apart at the petals if they are cut. Also the result of cross breeding the hybrid tea with the polyanthus is called The Modern Rose. These are very special roses indeed! They are also referred to as Floribunda. They are a beautiful combination of the best those two flowers have to offer. They are long blooming, fragrant, and they are great for cutting. So these are some of the facts you can take into consideration before growing tea roses. About the author: Mike Lindsey runs the popular site rose-growing.adwordanalyserBeginners Guide To Growing Beautiful Roses
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How to Make Personalized Candle Gifts from Ordinary Candles
May 18, 2007
Posted in General Recreation & Leisure @ 3:00 pmQuickly bookmark How to Make Personalized Candle Gifts from Ordinary Candles at:
If you are looking for a fun gift to make for any occasion, then personalized
candle making may be something you would like to consider. There are many ways
to make personalized candles, depending on how much time and money you are willing
to spend. With just a little extra time and effort, you can make a personalized
candle out of an otherwise ordinary candle gift that the lucky recipient will
love.
1. The simplest way to make a personalized candle is get a normal candle at
your local candle store. Even general retail stores like Walmart sometimes have
candles for sale. Candles come in all shapes and sizes, but almost any candle
can be personalized.
2. Anything smaller than a tea light will be difficult to personalize. For tea light
candles, you can normally purchase a big bag for a low price. These candles
are great as favors for guests at a wedding or baby shower. The easiest way
to personalize is to use either a graphics program on your computer or a word
processor. We’ll stick with the Word processor since it is easier. First, draw
a circle the same dimensions as the lid on the tea light, or better yet use a
circular label sheet. Then select a nice font, like cursive script or Corsiva.
You can enter then names and date of the event into the circle. Print out a
sample on plain paper to make sure the look and size is right. Once you have
the desired result, you can print your tea light label stickers. Finally, apply
the sticker onto the top of the tea light.
3. For jar candles, you can create a square-shaped personalized label. Since
you have more area to work with, you can download free graphics from the Internet.
Search the web for “free clip art” and download the images you want.
Once again print out a sample on plain paper and then print the label. If you
don’t have a color printer, you can go to a local copier and they can make a
nice label for you. Stick the label on the jar. Now you have created a unique
gift personalized just for that special person.
4. For tall pillar candles, you can get those engraved at an engraving shop
(look in the phone book under engravers). The artwork and text can come in different
colors. If you are artistic, you can even buy candle-engraving kits online and
do it yourself.
5. How about those 1oz votive candles? For a professional looking gift, get
cellophane bags and colored ribbon. Wrap the candle in the cello bag and tie
it up with the ribbon. Then attach a personalized tag to the ribbon. These candles
can also be engraved.
6. If you can make candles, then there are limitless possibilities. You can
use different fragrances oils to create scented candles. You can use embeds
for decoration. Cookie cutters and molds are also useful for designing the right
shape.
In summary, you can take an ordinary store candle and make it a very special
gift with just a little more effort. Your friends and loved ones will cherish
these gifts for years to come.
About the Author - Criss White is a professional web writer on baby
and new mother topics for baby and pregnancy websites. For more personalized
gift ideas, go to Personalized
Baby Shower Favors (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/personalized.htm) and for
more candle gift ideas, see Baby
Shower Candle Favors (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/candles.htm). Note: If
you find this article useful, you may reprint it on your website, e-zine, or
in your newsletter as long as the credits above remain in tact and the hyperlinks
stay active.
About the Author
Criss White is a professional web writer on baby and new mother topics. For more gift ideas, go to Personalized Baby Shower Favors (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/personalized.htm) and for more candle gift ideas, see Baby Shower Candle Favors (www.mybabyshowerfavors.com/candles.htm).
Read more about candles at our website.
Rose Gardening Challenges
May 7, 2007
Posted in General Recreation & Leisure @ 11:00 amQuickly bookmark Rose Gardening Challenges at:
Rose gardening can be a challenging exercise but you don’t have to be an expert to grow roses. Roses are grown successfully in gardens in nearly every different type of climate and environmental condition. Coming in a rainbow of colors and thousands of different modern-day varieties, roses offer a wonderful array of choices to followers of this beloved rose gardening pastime. Rose gardening is special, though there are numerous recipes for cultivating the perfect rose garden, with even just a few of the basics such as sunshine, water and fertilizer, a rose garden can thrive in any climate. By adapting the following rose gardening tips to your specific needs, you can maintain a lush and lively rose garden. Before you plant Be sure your roses will be in an optimum location where they will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, preferably morning sunshine. Provide your roses with ample space to grow by digging a hole that is at least two-feet wide and two-feet deep. Add potting soil or organic compost for nutrients. Keep roses moist by watering diligently for several weeks once you have planted them. Help your rose garden to flourish Monitor the pH levels in the soil as roses generally prosper at a pH of about 6.5. Fertilize in the spring when roses begin to leaf out and continue regularly until just before the arrival of winter frosts. Remove dead flower heads occasionally to instigate new bloom growth. Prune your roses at least once per year. With new plants, prune after the first blooming period is over. For older plants, pruning after the winter will help to begin rejuvenation and new growth. In colder climates you may also want to prune just after the first frosts to prevent harsh winter damage. And always remember, roses love lots of water and proper drainage. About the Author Ken Austin Roses and Rose Gardening Online Discount Shopping Guide
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Planting Roses - Tips And Ideas To Ensure Beautiful Results
April 27, 2007
Posted in General Recreation & Leisure @ 9:00 amQuickly bookmark Planting Roses - Tips And Ideas To Ensure Beautiful Results at:
Finding the best types of roses can be a confusing task when you consider the multitude of varieties that are available. Here are a few suggestions that will help you produce beautiful roses that are sure to be the envy of the neighborhood: Ask your local garden center or nursery about the best types of roses to plant in your particular area. Different climates require different kinds of roses if you want to achieve outstanding results. If you are a beginner, be sure to choose disease-resistant rose bushes, as they will require less maintenance and care. You must choose a spot to plant your rose bushes that is well lit in the mornings and that will receive at least 6 hours of uninterrupted sunlight each day. You must have well-drained soil with a PH level 5.5 to 7.0. You will be able to find a testing kit at your local garden center. The test kits are quite inexpensive and could save you a lot of difficulties after planting your rose bushes. When planting your roses, include plenty of organic matter in the soil surrounding the plants. Make sure the roots of the rose bush are very damp and well fertilized before you actually plant it. If you are planting roses that have very little soil surrounding the roots, soak the roots in water or puddle clay for several minutes and cut off any roots that are damaged or broken before planting. The first few weeks after planting rose bushes, you should water thoroughly and often. When the top two inches of soil surrounding the plant becomes dry, water the ground until it is completely soaked. After your roses have become established, soak your bed approximately every two weeks for best results. If you live in an area that is extremely dry or hot you may consider watering more often. Be careful not to over-water your roses and it is best to water in the early mornings. For the best results, plant rose bushes in the early spring after any danger of a freeze has passed. Also, the rose should be planted in an area that is open and gets plenty of air circulation. Roses do not grow well in a tight or enclosed space. About the author: Jennifer Houck is the owner of bestflowergrow ers, the Best Flower resource for learning how to grow your flowers.
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Scented Candles make a House a Home!
April 26, 2007
Posted in General Recreation & Leisure @ 2:00 pmQuickly bookmark Scented Candles make a House a Home! at:
Ever since I was a little girl I have just loved candles! I would spend ages just watching their lovely glow and taking in the aroma as they burned. I couldn’t imagine life without them. Now, our own home is always beautifully decorated and scented with wonderful candles. While you can get many gorgeous looking unscented candles, I love to have scented candles burning. Smell is our most powerful sense in making us feel a certain way or taking us back in history to those special moments.
Our sense of smell has a memory so you can use smell in a very positive way to evoke wonderful feelings of happiness, calmness, that holiday, festive feeling etc. I am almost put into a trance every time I smell Jasmine as it takes me back to my nanna’s special, loved filled country garden where we shared so many irreplaceable moments. And I bake a special Choc, Fruit, Sherry Slice that was my Mothers pride and joy special recipe at least once a week so that I feel like I am back home with her in her kitchen helping her cook. She died young in 1999 at only 53 years of age and that is one way that I feel very close to her. Smell makes things very real!
There is nothing nicer than going to visit a friend and as they open the door to greet you, you are welcomed by the most delicious or uplifting aroma. You immediately feel at home. Scented candles offer this unseen but most important aspect in our homes - scent, smell, aroma.
Now that Spring is here I have to confess - I have completed contracted the “Spring Cleaning Bug” and been almost fanatical about decluttering, cleaning out cupboards and opening up spaces. I am enhancing our home and its new “Spring Clean” with candles that have fresh, clean, floral fragrances. My current favorites are Frangipani and Rose Geranium.
About the Author
Lisa Pirie lives in the Hawkesbury Valley in NSW Australia and is very passionate about candles and helping the makers of hand made candles find a market so that candle making as an old fashion art form stays alive and well. If you wish to see more about candles or to purchase beautiful hand made candles, you can visit www.aussiecandlestore.com
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