The Rose

Many love songs have been sung about the rose; Valentine’s Day is celebrated with gifts of roses, particularly red roses.We are told that people whose birth flower is the rose, are romantic by nature, outgoing and extremely affable. History tells us that Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love presented a rose to Eros, the Greek god of love. We were also told that Cleopatra, known for her exotic beauty and powers of seduction, lured Mark Anthony with a room knee-deep in rose petals. It is therefore easy to understand the association with passion and love.

A rose is a woody perennial of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae. There are over 100 species and thousands of cultivars. They form a group of plants that can be erect shrubs, climbing or trailing with stems that are often armed with sharp prickles. Flowers vary in size and shape and are usually large and showy, in colours ranging from white through yellows and reds. Most species are native to Asia, with smaller numbers native to Europe, North America and northwest Africa.

When growing and caring for roses, watering them is an important part of the routine. They need to be deep watered regularly when first planted and until they are established. An additional tablespoon of Epsom salt along with fertiliser will encourage new growth from the bottom. The Epsom salt is applied at planting time around the base. The benefit of Epsom salt is that it contains magnesium sulfate, which is very beneficial for soil improvement. Studies have shown that magnesium and sulphur are the major components which help plants produce more fruits, vegetables and flowers. Magnesium sulphate also helps seeds to germinate, speed up chlorophyll production and improve phosphorus and nitrogen uptake. Roses need a steady supply of nutrients and rose fertilizers to bloom at their best, so it’s best to begin fertilizing on a regular schedule.

Yes, roses, roses, roses, they say so much and mean so much to countless people throughout the world. They come in a variety of hues, each with a different symbolic meaning:

* White: Innocence, Purity, Secrecy, Reverence and Humility

* Red: Love

* Pink: Grace

* Light Pink: Admiration, Sympathy

* Dark Pink: Gratitude

* Burgundy: Beauty

* Yellow: Platonic love or Dying love

* Orange: Passion

* Blue: Mystery

Roses are utilised for many reasons; we create seasons and times to use them. We use them as symbols; we give them to loved ones to say “I love you” and “You are beautiful.” The rose is truly a symbol of beauty, of peace and of nature’s bounty, and we love them whether they are in a lush bouquet, tucked into someone’s hair or clothing, stamped onto greeting cards or running rampant over a garden trellis. Species, cultivars and hybrids are all widely grown for their beauty and often are fragrant. Industries are developed from roses, making new ones by crossing one rose variety with another and thereby creating employment from them. We should be ever grateful for the many uses of roses, which were given to us by nature.

Source: http://www.rose-gardening-made-easy.com/epson-salts.html#.

For more information call the Eastern Horticultural Club at 347- 8039 or 357-5033 or email easternhorticultural@hotmail.com The club meets the first Saturday of every month (except public holidays) at 3 pm at the St Joseph Community Centre. All are welcome.