Caring for Roses Is like Caring for Woman

Caring for your Rose simply by admiring her is not enough. Left unattended she will shower you with a host of life long nagging problems. Continually watching her foliage, her outer skin will allow you to get in touch with her inner being. The connection becomes so powerful and fulfilling for both of you and promises results when seeking natural pleasure. Your Rose can perform at an alarming ease. You grow and become one with her and by doing your part her emotions settling, her appearance always moves you. While you continue to pick off stray bugs she loves you more unconditionally. As you fluff up her soil with a gentle till and fertilize her after each flush of growth she envelopes herself in you, and isn’t that a very nice place to be.

"My Rose is like the peddles on a rose that continues to bloom" How would you like your man to speak those words about you? Every woman needs to know they can be that special to someone. Every woman needs to here these words from time to time. I was able to witness them. They came from my friends husband directed to her. So easy, so real. So loved.

YOU AND YOUR ROSE, HOW PERFECT TOGETHER

Roses are heavy feeders and grow best when fed often but lightly. Sound familiar? Balancing their diet with nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium will promote green-vigorous growth, strong roots and constant flower production. They need a rest from food at least 6-8 weeks (fasting) before the first frost. Buying a rose that is hardy to your area will decrease some problems. (you have some things in common). Care for roses depends on the variety you choose. Most roses need full sun, at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. Although, some roses such as Hybrid Musk if situated in a bright open area under the shade of tall trees will bloom quite nicely. Your woman will too. Because you understand her and give that special space, that special place, she will bloom for you. Both of you will live in harmony.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROSE DO FOR YOU?

Roses and woman have the power to shake up your senses, drown out your sources and push you toward wonderful inspirations. As finicky as the rose is for some, others embrace the unknown and nurture her in the best way they know how. The trick is to display your rose everywhere. Your home is her home. Embrace her gentle existence. Show her off. Join her in the great outdoors. Color your garden with her world. Taking off her blooms simply strengthens her desire, especially if she feels your true passion. Only than are you allowing her to grow stronger and continually produce satisfaction toward you. Smile with her. You should always be able to “stop and take time out with your rose” embrace your gift that shakes up the air, intertwining your senses and ultimately changing your mood. Vibrations sets sail leading to harmony that ultimately accompanies positive reinforced senses of being one with your rose through the upright momentum that diversely rejuvenates your spirit.

Woman need water all day long to stay healthy, but given too much attention they may show signs of stress. Your rose needs to be watered heavy but less often. This encourages her roots to grow deep within you deep within her sole her soil. This is healthy. As roses and yours have deep roots your relationship strengthens. If not watered in, both will fail to deep root. Your Rose turns fragile. Her tolerance to drought is prevalent. Your relationship is at risk of failure to live. So, when you water your Rose in the morning, embrace the time. If you have no alternative and your time is limited, water at night making sure not to get her leaves wet. An inch of water a week is sufficient.

HOW DOES YOUR ROSE NEED YOU?

Hybrid Tea or Grandifloras, should have 3-5 dark green healthy canes and requires cutting ¼ inch above fifth leaf after flowering strengthening the rose and stimulating a deep root system. Shorten healthy canes to 8 to 24 inches tall and cut out weak or damaged canes, keep only the 3 or 5 thickest and darkest green ones, these are the most vigorous ones. Make cuts with clean, sharp handheld shears, cutting at a 45 degree angle just above outward-facing buds. This applies to virtually any rose. When pruning Floribunda, Polyanthas and miniature roses cut back canes to within 6 inches of ground every 3 years and cut out weak or dead canes to 6 inches every year. Prune climbers by removing the oldest and weakest canes when dormant. Let it grow to your size preference. Cut side branches back to 3 buds. In cold areas partially dig up roots, tilt plant, and lay canes on ground, burying with soil to over winter.

Composting is green, friendly and free. It just requires persistence and 100% dedication. Any extra baggage you may be carrying around can be utilized. Grass, leaves, spent kitchen scrap, feelings, desires, simple conversation. This may sounds like a lot of work, but so worth it, especially for your rose. Think of it as change. Changing the way you get rid of your garbage, and as an extra bonus get rid of your bears. For the love of your garden it’s worth a little change. Get a sealed container and keep it in a handy place in your kitchen. Scraps of all kind and fish, not red meat, can be used. Just place it in the can instead of the garbage and when full just throw in your compost and turn once and awhile. The challenge intensifies after your first encounter with your free spirited rose and your enlightened senses.

Just spread a good layer of natural gold around her at first, for that matter all over your garden and you will find your rose and garden loving you back with endless bloom. The rule of thumb to feeding is often and lightly. A dusting of compost once a month is ideal, but to assure all around good health, body, mind and spirit, your senses should continually dance around your rose.

FEEDING YOUR ROSE WITH STORE BOUGHT FERTILIZERS

Don’t fret if you are not the composting type. You can feed your beloved rose with store bought fertilizers. Macronutrients, sulphur, calcium and magnesium and micronutrients, iron, manganese, zinc, copper, molybdenum, chloride, and boron are a need for roses and are found in high quality rose fertilizers. Phosphorous, which is vital to strong root growth and flower production; and Potassium, which is needed for vigorous growth should also be included in their diet.

The cheapest way to shower your rose with Magnesium sulfate is Epsom salts. It intensifies flower color and increases flower production and believe it or not flushes harmful salts through the soil. Feed Epsom salts monthly at the rate of 1/2 cup per plant.

Your rose will love soaking in a soothing Epson salt bath. As she returns to dry land she will be eager to please. With her peddles now rejuvenated, her mind at rest and her thorns paralyzed under her beauty, she is one within herself and able to share again. Add some lavender to her bath water and surely her return will be a turn on.

For Hybrid Teas, Grandifloras, Floribundas, Polyanthas, and Climbers: Apply 1/2 cup of 10-20-20 or 10-20-10 per bush, three times per year. First application in late March or early April; second application in May; third application in late June or early July. Alternatively, you can add 1/4 cup every two weeks.

OldGarden Roses and Shrub Roses: Most of these don't need much fertilizer. Once in the early spring with a general all purpose 20-20-20 will hold them for the year. For repeat blooming types, a second feeding can be applied after the spring flush of bloom is done.

For Miniatures: First application in early April using 1 tablespoon of 10-20-20 or 10-20-10 scattered around each plant and scratched in lightly. For the second application in early June use a soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer such as Rapid-Gro, mixed according to the directions on the package; use 1 cup of this solution around the base of each plant. The third application early in July is the same as the second. Alternatively, you can use 1/2 the amounts divided over 6 feedings.

WHEN YOUR ROSE LOOKS SICK

In life even when you try to do all you can to keep your rose healthy, it’s inevitable that you may encounter a problem. A simple cold, a flu or something gets her down. For roses it’s a fungus. Spray your rose with dishwashing liquid and a tablespoon of baking soda to a quart of water at the first sign of fungus problems. Be aware of your surroundings and when you see problems with other roses in your area take note and nurture effectively before the signs of downward spiral. Do this for 7-10 days, especially after rains. If that doesn't do the trick try a mix of 1/10 strength skim milk. Skim milk only. It won’t go rancid attracting more problems.

Just like a cold, you try to handle it on your own, but if all else fails you’re out looking for a systemic fungicide, doctor/psychiatrist or if you are living without the absorbent 100% dedication a shovel or an expensive attorney is inevitable.

Stop now, take time to smell the roses. Take time to care for your Rose.