THE BEAUTY OF ROSESWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
For centuries roses have carried a certain mystique. They are a symbol for love, Valentine’s Day, and are used in weddings, and for anniversaries. Their scent is a delicate fragrance that lets a passer-by stop and take notice. Colors vary and several varieties even have two or three shades in one bloom. Roses can be a creamy, delicate white all way to a velvety, ruby red. Some varieties even have blue, orange, and “pearl”. Mixing varieties and colors adds added delight and beauty to any garden, patio, or outdoor spot. Putting roses along a pathway or by a door gives visitors an aromatic, beautiful way to enter your home. They will inevitably stop and smell roses. Planting and growing roses is discussed in garden books, magazines, and on television shows. What is best way to have plants that are hardy, and bloom with bouquet value flowers? Roses grow best in a location that is protected from north and east winds. They do need sun but partial shade does not deter their growth. The soil should be well-drained because one cause of loss of plant is a “swamp” subsoil. The soil itself should be a good blend - not too much sand nor too heavy of a base. Using compost will improve soil quality and should be worked into soil to distribute it evenly.
| | GARDEN DELIGHTSWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
When weather is warm we try and spend a lot more of our leisure time outdoors. A good idea is to decorate your garden area with all comforts of home - just outside of home. A few touches will give your outdoor space a feeling of welcome and a beauty all its own. Color is certainly one aspect of great outdoors that lends itself to limitless ideas and possibilities. You can pick one of most intense colors or bring into play lighter less prominent hues. A white fence or gate will give eye appeal to bright, vibrant blooms and it doesn’t even have to lead to anything in particular. Just a piece of white picket fencing in a plush wildflower garden will have that added punch of visual appeal and a certain nostalgic feeling as well. If you have a screened in porch or area, use beautiful hand-made quilts or throw pillows with bright, lively colors that match or even contrast your flower colors. Texture is also fun to play with. Smooth surfaces should be highlighted with baskets. A glass-top patio table lends itself to a basket of fruit, or flowers. Rough fieldstone steps or walking areas show off their special features with smooth, bright shiny accents. A porch swing, whether part of porch itself or just by itself in a fragrant array of flowers, is a joy to sit on and to take in aromas and eye-delights of this season. Colorful pads and side-tables add to appeal, as well as hold those pitchers of ice-cold home-made lemonade. A wooden gazebo adds so much to a garden without being too showy or prominent. Potted plants that be used as accessories, as well as ornaments or metal colors such as bronze or gold. It is a special hideaway while you wile away hours being captivated by blossoming beauty just surrounding this special place.
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