The OKLU Blog

A great way to create a charming flower garden is to use a lot of color. Color is a fantastic way to really draw the eye into a stunning display in front of your house. Consider using related colors or simple repetition of alike flowers to build a cohesive and attractive look. A consistent and appealing look works really well for gardens in the front of the house. If you have a patio, make sure you use this in your landscaping designs. A patio looks especially beautiful when edged by flowers. Homeowners also decide to line their walkways with floral touches.

If you are new to gardening, pick out plants that are native to your region. These plants will be easier to grow, will need less water and may even draw in more birds and butterflies. This makes maintaining the garden simple and more satisfying. Plus, wildlife in your garden will add an other wonderful element to your garden. Each region will have many different types of plants obtainable so you should have a plethora of native options available for your garden.

Take advantage of your imagination. Don’t feel like you are limited to conventional designs and ideas. When landscaping, creativity can make the final outcome more beautiful and unique. If you have a creative idea, use it. Let your tastes, technique and personality come alive in your garden. You may even opt to design with a theme for your yard. If you don’t have any ideas, look through magazines, websites and books. Before too long, you will realize some landscaping ideas that will initiate your imagination.

For example, you can launch a theme simply by choosing decorations and sculptures for your garden. Another popular style for a garden is a Japanese garden. This style of garden has a tranquil elegance and often reproduces a small version of a landscape focal point using rocks and water. Everything should be natural and strategically placed in a Japanese garden. An herb garden is an additional highly recommended garden design. Of course, an herb garden has the added benefit of providing food for the family. Herbs that are effortless to grow in an herb garden include basil, fennel, oregano and parsley. Some people blend herbs and flowers together in their garden for a glamorous, colorful look that is also quite fragrant.

Sooner or later, any gardener starts looking to purchase a lawn rake made in the UK or perhaps marveling at your father-in-law’s Alan Titchmarsh garden spade — but bear in mind, it’s taken much of history to reach these heights. Rakes and forks are surprisingly recent adaptations, but let’s not forget, gardens are as old as the human race. Your recreation began within the storied cradle of civilization.

Ancient peoples created gardens for pleasure, for practical reasons, and we shouldn’t ignore spirituality. Usually protected by stone walls, green spaces were seeded with flowers, vegetables, fruit and nut bearing trees, grapes, and from time to time even fish ponds. Certainly the bulk was for food but some plants were cultivated in the name of their gods. Priests also looked after other plants in sites apart from the gardens. They weren’t the only civilization to produce early plantations. Also gardeners were the Babylonians, the Persians, and the Assyrians, who all also incorporated building projects of significant size into places. As you might think, another example of a civilization like this would be the Romans — although the Greeks dedicated their efforts to the food potential of their farmland and nothing else.

While we grant you they had no access to rakes or garden forks, these peoples did use a number of elementary implements which were the prototypes of modern spades and hoes. They used iron, copper, bronze, stone. Everything was abruptly stopped under the pressure of the Dark Ages. Gardening was no different, but by good fortune, the clergy kept the old techniques alive, ready for when they would again be called on by the wider world. Next, people began to engineer charming gardens employing vegetables, flowers, and herbs for enjoyment. Rules began to evolve, a formal structure dictating how the garden should, in the end, appear. You just need to look at the work that goes into a hedge maze or knot garden to see this.

Such rules are no longer the be-all and end-all, meaning there’s ultimately nothing to fret about — enjoy yourself, and don’t be embarrassed when it comes to musing on how to mend that irritating garden spade deformity or reading some well written garden fork reviews. “Capability” Brown and those like him took the traditions — so codified now that they were practically frozen — and threw away those that obstructed their intent, blending a natural outlook with carefully selected statues and similar decorative touches. Obviously, things have advanced as time moves on, but gardens are still popular for similar reasons to our forefathers’. You won’t discover a more wonderful space than a garden paradise.

As a gardener we’ll find you pondering purchasing garden accessories UK or alternatively marveling at that Alexander Rose garden bench — but let’s not forget, it’s taken centuries to reach these heights. Settlements grew gardens thousands of years before the hoe or the trimmer. This leisure occupation began within the cradle of civilization itself. Ancient peoples tended to gardens for pleasure, for practical reasons, and we mustn’t omit to mention spirituality. The vital flowers and similar edible vegetation would mingle with pools for fish. While admittedly they consumed most of this they also tended some plants in the name of their gods. Still other herbs, important to the priests for mystical purposes, grew elsewhere. Other civilizations, too, became known for creating early plantations. Also active were the Assyrians, the Babylonians, as well as the Persians, who all also incorporated buildings of significant size into landscapes. The Romans also went in for attractive gardens, unlike the ancient Greeks. Food alone was allowed to flourish in their plantations. While we grant you they had no access to lawn rakes or forks, these civilizations had created a variety of primitive implements and garden utensils which were prototypical of modern hoes and spades. Gardeners wrought them from copper, bronze, stone, iron.

The mayhem of Europe’s Dark Ages drove many nations to set down the simple spade and all the other garden tools — save for the churches, who planted some flowers and herbs for pharmaceutical and religious purposes. The public once again designed exquisite gardens grown from herbs, vegetables, and flowers to provide an idyllic enclosure. Rules began to evolve, a formal structure dictating how the garden should ultimately turn out. Some great specimens of this include hedge mazes and knot gardens, derived from sophisticated textures and patterns. Rules like these aren’t still compulsory, so there’s honestly nothing to worry about — have fun, and stay confident regarding investigating how to remediate that vexatious lawn rakes deformity or parsing some good lawn rake reviews. Where others abided by gardening guidelines that were rigorously observed for hundreds of years, Humphry Repton and others cunningly mixed structure and instinct by bringing together artificial decorative pieces such as columns with natural landscapes.

In the modern day, their appearance may have altered but we still cultivate plants as our forebears did. Regardless, they are still some of the most peaceful settings in the world.

Working in the Garden must rank as one of the biggest summertime pursuits, particularly in Britain, United States and Canada. Along side gardening, comes a good collection of garden tools and equipment, particularly for those with a huge interest in Gardening. Once Summer and Fall has ceased, winter nears. All the garden equipment you own need to be packed away in the shed. It is not a nice task but it pays to be organized!

Of all of the house-hold items that can be positioned in the shed, Garden accessories are the most unmanageable. Minor hand tools such as the pruners are rather easy to secrete away somewhere. Their trouble is their smallness, making them prone to be misplaced and be missing by Springtime. The largest problem comes with storing the awkward sized bulky tools.

Can you imagine anything more challenging than a lawn rake for finding somewhere sensible to put for any length of time? Hurl in the border fork with its lethal spikes, stainless spade, border spade, garden rake, forged hoe and you have a varied gathering of accessories that are just primed to injure you if left lying around. These troubles grow 10 fold if you have tiddlers.

With all of these elements in mind its is optimal to have have your tools housecleaned and then put away, in doing this it will make it easy for you to encounter them in the springtime. That is why garden tool racks, especially designed for the function of storing garden tools, are such an fundamental feature of any garden shed, or garage if that is where you have to hive away your horticulture things.

A good equipment stand will help you to keep your instruments in good order, as well as convenient to find. The issue is, which stand do you select? There are many possibilities, and some of them are very well contrived for the intention specified. While detached racks, if firm and strong, might be good enough, it is surely better to have a wall mount that is permanently fixed to the shed or garage wall. In doing this it will be less likely to fall on top of you when too many burden is summed up. If you have babies, a wall holder that can be lifted out of the grasp of the tiddlers is important, as is picking out one that will carry the rake and other hazardous gardening tools firmly in place.

Want to knwo what I’ve been up to for the last few weeks? Here it is. I’m a sharing guy. Here are some valuable sites. Enjoy the safety of a security system, energize your day and go camping.

Gear

A couple days ago we got back from camping. We were late so we had to hike at dusk to the camp site a mile or two off the trail. Shopping before a camping trip is fun - especially online. We found a good camping tent. We weren’t too rushed but we still wanted our tent shipped to our house on time. When the package arrived, we found that the correct tent was in the box - hooray again! Shipping was expedited for 2 day delivery. I had the best time camping with everyone. It was a worthwhile experience. Couldn’t have asked for more…

Safety

Wife required that I install a home security device before our vacation. You get to a point where what’s in your house really matters - it’s time to secure it. If we had our computer stolen, it would take a lot from us. We got a security system installed after bouncing around online looking for a good local reputable company. I can’t believe the short time it took to install. Ready for another vacation. Hooray!

eFusjon Healthy Drinks

Camping takes a lot out of me and my wife. The stockpile of eFusjon energy drinks didn’t last long enough for the trip. The added energy is definitely something we were grateful for with all of the crazy camping activities we did. Efusjon is great for the drink and for the income opportunity. We bought in for the drink and you should too. It’s worth every penny. It’s about time to visit that link!

Talk with you later. Enjoy the sites!

Sunset Red Maple trees are fairly easy to plant because they are
fairly rugged and durable. The Sunset Red Maple is a great
choice for your landscape. Yet to plant or transplant them you
do need to follow some basic guidelines. These trees are similar
in planting to Autum Flame and October Glory maple. Red Maples
are sometimes known as Swamp Maples. This name gives away its
habitat being located naturally in moist areas of open woodlands
and commonly along creeks and bottomlands. These soils are
constantly moist to wet. Red Maples are found throughout the
North Eastern States.These trees when grown in the open reach 70
feet tall by 40 feet wide. This tree is sturdier than the Silver
Maple and is a delight to own in back yard as a shade tree.

On of our finest selections is the Sunset Red Maple. The Sunset
Red Maple tree is a fast growing hybrid red maple tree. This
Acer rubrum cultivar was developed by J. Frank Schmidt and Son
Nursery. A Red Sunset red maple is one of the finest trees you
can plant at your home. Red Sunset foliage is a lustrous green
in the summer, which changes to brilliant shades of red and
orange-red in the fall. We have a large selection of liners and
some 2″ caliper stock ready for your selection.

All people handling seedlings and small trees need to help with
the life support of your plants. Seedlings are like fish out of
water and need care which is often overlooked between the time
the seedlings are lifted and transplanted. Improper care means
higher mortality. Do not try and reinvent the wheel. You must
protect seedling from moisture and temperature extremes, as well
as physical damage. Seedlings are living and should be handled
carefully. For a higher survival rate, treat trees carefully and
plant them immediately. I like to have a backup plan for
planting if the weather turns bad. I will sometimes switch from
lining out the seedlings to potting them up if I realize that
the soil conditions will not be right for an extended lenght of
time. If planting must be delayed a few days, keep the plants in
a cold, protected place with air circulation between the trees.
Keep the trees out of the rain and wind. To check if the trees
need water, feel the media at the roots.. If it isn’t damp,
water the trees and allow the excess water to drain. In cool,
damp weather, the biggest threat to these trees is from mold.
Try to keep out of soil seedlings moist by either restricting
water loss with a water vapor barrier or by wetting the roots at
regular intervals. While handling or planting try to reduce
temperature and air movement around the seedlings. Windy days
can dry out seedlings so consider waiting for calmer weather.
Once your soil conditions are correct OUR FREE USE PLANTERS will
make planting a snap so its will be worth waiting for good
planting conditions.

HOW TO PLANT

Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind.
If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should
be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed.
Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root
seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with
plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them
damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or
packed in ice or snow. Don’t freeze the trees. Competition from
weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to
survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this
competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot
before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown
of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush.
Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic
material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to
expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting
hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out
when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure
the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If
roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to
take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow
down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your
planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed,
the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling
shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more
protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable
openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to
help reduce water loss. If the roots apear dry they are probably
dead. Now I know you are thinking,”I will place them in a
buckect of water and store them there until planting”. This will
not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of
minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen.
Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized
tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is
to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in
place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully
extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in
the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots.
Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don’t crush the roots by
jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake
curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more
soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is
not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets
that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly
anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have
the tree leaning and have to adjust the tree later. (Addition of
fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not
generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing
will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get
more production from a limited area by over planting and then
thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting ….
digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion
of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:

Tangled roots Planting too shallow Planting too deep Air pockets
Turned up roots (this is called J rooting) Planting trees that
are not tolerant of wet soils in poorly drained areas Planting
over rocks, septic tanks and leach fields, on sand mounds

CARE OF TREES FOLLOWING PLANTING Check periodically to be sure
that brush, grass and other vegetation is kept under control by
mowing, mulching, spraying or a combination of these treatments.
Always obtain advice from a licensed pest control advisor before
using chemicals. You ag extension agency may offer courses in
application of chemicals. Monitoring the appearance of your
trees will help you to detect signs of insects, diseases or
other problems. Apperances also help sell your product. Look for
foliage turning yellow, new foliage drooping or other signs of
poor health. It is easier to take successful corrective action
if the problem is detected early.

Over watering is a common problem in irrigated plantations. You
probably won’t need to water more frequently than every 7-10
days. Give your trees a thorough, deep soak and then let the
soil dry out before the next watering. This encourages the roots
to grow down in search of water. Frequent, shallow watering
encourages root growth near the surface and the trees are more
dependent on irrigation and are less windfirm. Animals can be a
major cause of damage to young trees. Porcupines, gophers, mice,
rabbits, deer and cattle are the most frequent source of damage.
In many states you may have to call your game commission and get
their recomendations on legal methods to protect your crop. In
our state, you can get help from the Pa. Game Commission to kill
deer that are a threat to your seedlings or obtain a free fence
to keep deer away from your seedlings. Over the years we have
lost more trees to mice than any other animal. Put rat baits out
on a regular basis. Over the years we have lost more seedlings
and plants to mice than any other culprit including deer and
rabbitts combined. You an see more articles about the care of
trees plants and nursery stock at our web site
http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.highlandhillfarm.com

Solar power is utterly simple, and is definitely the wave of the future. A component called a photovoltaic cell collects energy from the sun and is converted into electricity. There are no moving parts, liquids or chemicals involved in the process. The cells are connected together on a solar panel, and they are hooked up in series and allowing the cells to work in unison. The energy that is generated is direct current which is then stored in a battery. A device called an inverter converts the DC to AC for household use. Since only a small amount of current is generated by each cell, there are as a rule a lot of panels required to run your entire house on solar energy.

Large-scale solar conversion projects cost about $10-$12 per watt to install. This remarkable technology can definitely be used in and around the home for landscape lighting and all your outdoor lighting fixtures. As an example, if you wanted to operate your lighting fixtures and a few small appliances around the home the solar installation would cost approximately $1000.

With escalating energy costs, this type of energy is totally renewable and is pollution-free, so there is a remarkable future ahead! It is an amazing source of power and is available all over the planet, free of charge. As technology advances, the cost of photovoltaic cells will come down, and this source of energy will become more and more economical to install and use. There are a small number of major oil companies that have committed large amounts of research capital into solar research. It is quite obvious that these companies see an end in sight when it pertains to relying on oil. The future of energy worldwide will depend upon these forward-thinking people and the innovative technology they use to improve and develop this renewable and free energy source.

By Terry Price - Find out how solar energy is taking the market by storm when it comes to landscape lighting and more! http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/solar-lighting.html — Solar powered lighting is great for lighting backyards, docks and more =>http://www.ceiling-fans-interiors.com/119-solar-powered-lighting.html

Wicker patio furniture is among the most beautiful and comfortable outdoor furniture available. There is something dramatic and romantic about it that makes wicker quite unique. It is a type of furniture that is in its own category.

If you are thinking of buying wicker outdoor furniture, then here are some pointers and tips. This will make it possible for you to buy and use wicker like a pro:

Considerations Before Buying

Natural wicker is not one of the stronger types of furniture. Therefore, natural wicker furniture is appropriate for adults that are less than 200 lbs each, and for families without overly rambunctious children. Except for these limitations, your natural wicker furniture will provide long service.

Those concerned with these limitations may wish to consider vinyl or plastic wicker. The frames are usually tougher because they use metal, not rattan as with natural wicker furniture, and vinyl or plastic wicker looks remarkably like the real thing.

Here are some pointers:

1) Where to place wicker furniture. Wicker is damaged by exposure to moisture and to excessive sunlight. Therefore, natural wicker outdoor furniture is best placed in a covered area. Good locations include a covered porch, patio, or deck, in a gazebo, or in a cabana.

2) Know how much space is available. Furniture should never be congested. Before buying patio furniture, first decide where you want the furniture to be positioned. From this you will be able to better estimate what size furniture will fit.

Be especially careful with larger pieces. If you want a dinning table with six chairs, make sure you have the room. The same is true with a chesterfield or sofa. It simply isn’t fun to manoeuvre around a patio with too much furniture and not enough walking space.

3) Only buy wicker furniture that is factory-assembled. Because wicker is not easy to work with, it is wise to buy all wicker furniture fully pre-assembled. If you assemble the furniture yourself, take special care with the joints. Most problems with home assembly usually involve instability because of poor joint connections.

4) Don’t forget to budget for covers for your new furniture. Wicker should be kept dry, so if wicker is placed in an uncovered area, it should be brought inside when it rains or completely covered. Covers for all sizes of patio furniture are easily available online.

5) Work out in your mind delivery and placement logistics. Thinking this through before delivery will save you time and trouble.

Care

Wicker patio furniture will require some maintenance. Once a month, the wicker and cushions should be vacuumed using the vacuum’s soft brush, then wiped with a damp cloth.

At least once a year wash your wicker, cushions, and frame using a mild detergent in lukewarm water, use a sponge. Rinse well with clear water and dry with soft cloths. Allow to finish drying in the sun.

Removing Mildew

Mildew is a thin growth that is actually a plant. It is caused by very warm temperatures and humidity. Mildew on wicker is usually easy to control. A good washing will usually do the trick.

Using a mild detergent in lukewarm water and a sponge, wash your wicker, cushions, and frame thoroughly. Rinse well with clear water and dry with soft cloths. Allow to finish drying in the sun.

This will often be enough. However, if mildew stains remain I recommend one of two options:

1) Moisten the stained area with lemon juice, then rub salt into the stain. Do not rinse. Allow it to dry in the sun. After drying, rinse off the lemon juice and salt by rinsing well with clear water, then dry with cloths. Allow to finish drying in the sun. Test on colored cushion fabrics first.

2) In one quart of warm water, mix in two tablespoons of chlorine bleach. Sponge the solution onto the stain area, or dip the stain area into the mixture. Allow to stand for 15 minutes, and then rinse with clear water. Dry with dry cloths. Allow to finish drying in the sun. Test on colored cushion fabrics first.

Note: Never use chlorine bleach on wool or silk. Other wash-and-wear fabrics or fabrics with special finishes may be damaged by chlorine bleach. Look for a warning tag attached to the cushion. (Bleach action can be stopped quickly by soaking the item with a solution of two tablespoons of vinegar for each cup of water.)

With these treatments you should have little problem with mildew.

Repainting Wicker

If you need to repaint wicker furniture, completely clean your furniture first, dry with cloths. When completely dry, slightly sand only those areas that are needed.

Painting with a paint brush can be tricky and slow. It is best to use a sprayer or spray cans of paint to apply paint evenly and without drips. Only use paint in a well ventilated area.

Summary

Natural wicker patio furniture can be a beautiful addition to any patio or porch. With a little thoughtful care you can expect to enjoy your new wicker furniture for many years to come.

Sebastian Van Deyck is a successful writer and a noted authority that writes for Better Patio Furniture providing helpful tips and practical advice for the online shopping of outdoor furniture including wicker patio furniture. His articles offer moneysaving tips and valuable insight.

In this time period, people are as busy as ever. Mom’s and dad’s working overtime can be very hectic and hard to handle at some points. Include the kids after school activities, family and work stress and you have a full schedule to fulfill. That’s why many people rarely think or have time to decorate and take care of their homes. Flower can be a great way to decorate any room in the house. A simple flower arrangement or vase can make the room warm and inviting to guests in your home. This years flower trends are modern, elegant and simple. Even if you are not gifted in designing and creating professional flower arrangements, today’s flower trends are geared for those who like “laid-back luxury,” yet simple and easy to create arrangements. If your style is stylish, modern and simple, then these year’s trends are perfect for your liking.

Studies show that flowers can make anyone smile and lift their mood and spirits. People who has bounties of flowers in their homes or an exquisite garden usually have less bad days. After a hard day of work, most people would like to relax. Flower in any room can be noticed. Although new trends come along each year, the main idea of flowers stay around for years. If you are at a loss for knowing what the current flower tips are, then read on for ideas.

1. The Modern Look
The modern look is becoming very popular in young families and students. Wall color, furniture and carpeting are already become more “modernized.” Flowers are the same way. A single flower in a long, tall vase looks very good in kitchens and living rooms. A single rose, orchid or daisy looks like a bouquet in itself if paired with a decorative vase or candles. White flowers are very plain, yet elegant.

2. Country Cottage
Soft purples, pinks and yellows flowers are all included in this theme. Many people love this look because of it’s relaxing idea. These type of flowers look good in a low, round tabletop centerpiece. This arrangement is good for creating a relaxing feeling for a room. Creating a small arrangement looks better on a dining or eating table. Remember, uniqueness is what interests your guests.

3. Summer Colors
If you are more of the wild type, bright colors are for you. Summer and spring are great season to brighten up your home with flowers. Even during the winter months, flowers can remind you of the beautiful summer days. Bigger arrangements and centerpieces can look alright with these type of flowers, just remember not to over do it. Exciting flower colors can look great, but if they are all in one basket, it takes away from the rest of your home.

4. Plants
Plants are always widely used in offices and homes. Cactus and exotic type plants are very unique for any decorating. If you are interested in exotic style plants, be aware that they will need extra support if they are not used to your climate. Read the instructions you receive when you purchase the plant. Bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and dining rooms are all perfect for displaying your plant collections.

Flowers are defiantly true nature’s beauty. Even indoors, in an office or room space, flowers can bring out your best personality and taste. I hope you are able to choose a theme that you can use in all parts of your home and office. You personal space should be about you. Your flowers can be an excellent addition in interior designing.

About the Author

Janna Hagan is the webmaster for http://www.flower-delivery-service-online.com. Great tips and information on roses, silk flowers, bouquets and arrangements. For more information on flower delivery online, please visit http://www.flower-delivery-service-online.com.

While it is true that you will spend more time on rose maintenance than most other plants, the care you give them during the growing season can be done easily while simply enjoying the blooms. Many people choose not to grow roses because they believe that they entail too much work.

Following these simple steps will make your roses beautiful and keep the plants healthy.

Fertilize your plants every three weeks during active blooming with a complete fertilizer formulated for roses. Roses need a balanced diet, as do most plants. You will want to choose fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. This is often made easier by simply choosing one of the many brands of rose food available at any home and garden center.

Watch closely for pests and diseases and react quickly to destroy them. Black-spot, mildew, and blight together with insects, such as Japanese beetles, are some of the more troublesome rose disease and insect problems. Control is easy and prevention is practical with the regular use of chemicals that controls most fungal diseases and detrimental insects. Use pesticides labeled for roses as needed and weekly fungicide applications to control powdery mildew and black spot. Always apply according to label directions.

If you do not care to use pesticides on your plants there are organic methods for dealing with many insects. Pesticides do not differentiate between the good bugs and the bad ones and you do not want to kill beneficial insects. There are organic soaps available for purchase that will deal with most insects. You can also purchase beneficial insects at your local nursery like the praying mantis or lady bugs.

Roses require about an inch of water per week per bush. Watering bushes during dry periods will ensure continuous flowering during the growing season. Drip irrigation is best to water slowly, thoroughly, and deeply without wetting foliage.

This can be accomplished by purchasing soaker hoses. These hoses are snaked through your rose bed, preferably under the mulch to hide the hose, and attached to a regular hose when watering. This way watering is a simply matter of just turning on the spigot once a week. Keep the plants mulched with pine needles or bark to conserve water, cool the soil and discourage weeds.

Remove spent blooms to keep plants blooming and encourage new growth. Cut flowers regularly to enjoy inside as well. Practice disbudding to encourage the growth of larger blooms. Disbudding is the early removal of bloom buds. This practice removes the competition for nutrients to the buds that remain.

On Hybrid Tea roses, you will see that the terminal bud is the first to form. This is the bud on the very tip of the stem. Shortly after, secondary buds are formed around the terminal bud. Removal of these secondary buds early on sends the rose’s energy to the terminal bud producing the larger bloom.

The removal of these secondary buds should be done early in their development. You simply pinch them off with your fingers.

When walking through your rose garden, look for any diseased canes, dead wood, and/or suckers. Cut these away anytime they occur, but do not prune severely in the summer.

Finally, pull out any weeds as soon as you see them. Once different weeds get established in your garden, they can be difficult to control. I would advise to never use any type of weed killer - regardless of what the commercials may say - around your roses.

The roots are very close to the surface and even the most careful application can result in the death of half of your favorite bush. It is an avoidable nightmare.

Julia Robertson is a writer and author of two books on gardening, “Growing and Enjoying Roses” and “American Gardener”. Julia’s website is jam-packed with gardening tips, tricks, and techniques. Discover how you can make your neighbors think you were born with a green thumb! ==> www.acorn-trader.com © 2005 Acorn Trader All Rights Reserved