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<title>Gardening Information and Resources | Rose Gardening | Gardening Tips</title>
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<description><![CDATA[Gardening Articles and Information  - Useful Articles related to Gardening: Gardening Tips, Gardening Tools and much more.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:21:54 -0400</pubDate>
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<language>en</language><item>
	<title>What is a Bulb?</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Plants/What-is-a-Bulb.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:21:54 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Plants</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[A bulb is a modified shoot or flower bud that usually forms underground. It has swollen leaf bases or thick scales that protect the bud and store food to nourish it during a rest period in which the plant's top growth dies back. The bulb contains nearly everything the embryonic bud will need to grow and bloom. The bud rests in the center of the bulb. It is surrounded by scales, which resemble the layers of an onion in bulbs such as narcissus and tulips, or are like the cloves of a garlic bulb in the bulbs of lilies. The scales are anchored to a tough basal plate (the flat end of the bulb) from which the roots will grow. Some bulbs are called &quot;tunicate,&quot; which means the scales are covered by a thin skin known as a tunic. Bulbs reproduce by means of underground offsets called bulblets, or in some lilies, by small, round bulbils that develop in the leaf axils. Both will eventually grow into full-size bulbs if planted. Daffodils and narcissus, tulips, hyacinths, and lilies all grow from true bulbs. In addition to true bulbs, there are a number of other underground storage organs which in informal usage are also thought of as bulbs because the plants grow in much the same way. These other structures are corms, rhizomes, tubers, and tuberous roots. A corm is the swollen underground base of a stem, which stores food in the same way a bulb does, although corms store most of it in the basal plate instead of in scales. Corms are usually flatter than bulbs. The corms reproduce by forming small cormels or cormlets at the base of the parent plant, or, less commonly, on aboveground stems. Crocus and gladiolus are two common plants that grow from corms.&nbsp;Rhizomes are swollen underground stems that grow horizontally through the soil instead of vertically down into the ground. They can produce new roots and shoots, and many plants spread by means of their creeping rhizomes. The rhizomes can be divided or cut up to propagate new plants. Bearded iris is probably the best-known rhizomatous plant. Tubers are swollen stems that are also located underground in most cases. Tubers contain buds or &quot;eyes&quot; from which new plants can grow. Tuberous roots are swollen roots, like those of dahlias, which have become modified into storage organs. Tuberous-rooted plants have the growth buds in the crown, the base of the plant where stems and roots meet. Bulbs and the other bulblike structures can be hardy and able to withstand below-freezing temperatures, or they may be tender, and damaged or killed by frost. The bulbs that bloom in spring &ndash; crocuses, daffodils, scilla, tulips, hyacinths, and the rest &ndash; are hardy. Many summer bulbs &ndash; gladiolus, tuberous begonias, dahlias, and Peruvian daffodils, for example &ndash; are tender. But not all summer-blooming bulbs are tender. Many lilies, for example, are quite hardy.]]></description>
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	<title>Simple Tests to Determine Soil Type</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Quick-Gardening-Tips/Simple-Tests-to-Determine-Soil-Type.html</link>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 02:16:57 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Quick Gardening Tips</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[1. Put a full trowel of soil into a graduated cylinder or other glass container with straight sides. Fill the container almost to the top with water. Cover and shake the container, then watch the soil particles settle out. Stones and pebbles, obviously, will sink first. Sand particles will settle out next, then silt, and finally, clay. Very tiny clay particles may not settle at all, but remain suspended in the water. Dark particles of organic matter will either settle on top of the clay, or will float.&nbsp;2. A couple of days after a good rain, scoop up a ball of soil small enough to hold in your hand and enclose with your fingers, about the size of a golf ball. Squeeze and slidethe soil between your thumb and index finger to feel its texture. Sandy soil will feeI gritty, silty soil will feel smooth. Clay soil will feel slippery. 3. Take that same ball of soil and squeeze it in your hand, then open your fingers. If the ball crumbles immediately and will not hold together at all, the soil is probably sandy. If the ball crumbles slowly, the soil is loamy (and probably ready to work if you are performing the test in early spring). If the ball sticks together, the soil contains clay; if you can roll the ball out into a rope, a substantial amount of clay is present. 4. If you suspect that your soil drains too quickly, thoroughly water a small patch of garden. Two days later, go back to the spot and dig a 6-inch-deep hole with a trowel. Feel the soil in the bottom of the hole; if it feels quite dry, your soil does indeed drain too rapidly. 5. If you suspect that your soil drains too slowly, dig a good-size hole, about a foot deep and half a foot wide. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. As soon as it empties, fill it again, and observe how long it takes for the water to drain off. If there is still some water in the hole after eight hours, the drainage is poor.]]></description>
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	<title>How To Have A Great Shade Garden</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Gardening/How-To-Have-A-Great-Shade-Garden.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:19:06 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Gardening</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[First of all you obviously need shade and good soil that contains organic materials. If your soil is too sandy it will drain water too quickly drying the plants out. Add compost or manure if you need to. Then select your plants. Plants to consider include many varieties of Hostas, Lily of the Valley, Coral Bells, Astilboides, Pulmonaria, Rodgersia, Trillium, and Goundcovers like Baltic Ivy, Myrtle, Pachysandra, Lamium, and Ginger. Some shade plants will tolerate some sun. The best way to find out which plants will do well with your soil and light conditions is to experiment with them.
One lesson that I have learned in my 15 years of gardening is that if a plant does not do well with your conditions don't force it to be unhappy. There are many other plants that will do better for you. I learned this lesson in many years of trying to grow Rhododendruns in my shade garden. I am now replacing my Rhododendruns with Annabelle hydrangeas which bloom beautifully in my shade and so far seem to require no maintenance.
Underplanting your shade garden with spring blooming bulbs will yield a nice effect in early spring. Once the bulbs bloom and are finished, the shade plants will start to appear and will cover the foliage from the bulbs.
For more information on shade gardening please visit www.bridgewatergardens.com]]></description>
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	<title>DIY Gardening - Is It Advisable?</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Gardening/DIY-Gardening---Is-It-Advisable.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:18:46 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Gardening</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[If you have a green thumb, then you are probably thinking about doing some DIY gardening. Whether it&rsquo;s preparing the perfectly landscaped lawn or growing some vegetables, gardening is a fun and easy way to produce something plentiful with a little hard work.
Even though most gardening projects can be done by anyone, there are several factors to consider before moving ahead with a DIY gardening venture. Many people suffer from allergies every day and in every season, but allergy sufferers are especially affected during the spring and summer months. As such, before beginning a DIY gardening project, take a moment to consider whether or not you have allergies. If you do, how severe are they? Working outside for prolonged periods of time and/or doing extended lawn work can reek havoc on allergies.
While on the subject of allergies, it is important to know whether or not you are allergic to bees before going ahead with a DIY gardening project. If you are going to be working around the yard or the garden, you will need to be especially mindful of these nuisance insects that could end up causing you a real problem if you are allergic.
Another important aspect of DIY gardening is dressing for your environment. It&rsquo;s probably a good idea to wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt. This will help to prevent mosquito bites, which could be a health concern during certain locations and times of the year. You will also want to wear protective gloves on your hand and be especially careful of what you touch. If you reach into an area that isn&rsquo;t completely visible because of weeds or shrubbery, there is always the possibility of a snake or spider. Both can cause harmful effects, so be careful when reaching into the grass or when working outdoors.
In addition to the above considerations, deciding whether or not DIY gardening is right for you will also depend on the project itself. If you are working on the landscape, planting flowers or simply planting a few seeds for a garden, you may not have a problem in completing the task yourself. But, if you are having a tree removed from your property, having the entire lawn replanted or have a very large area that needs cared for, DIY gardening may not be possible. There is nothing wrong with enlisting a little help along the way, especially if a professional landscaping business is nearby.]]></description>
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	<title>Basic Orchid Growing Tips</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Gardening/Basic-Orchid-Growing-Tips.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:18:22 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Gardening</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[Orchids are beautiful flowers that have an amazing effect on people, there is a time in the year that you can feel that orchids are attracting more attention, they are out on florists windows and people can not help themselves but stop and admire this flower that is a delight to have in any house.
Some people say that the power of the orchid comes from its delicate features, from its strong colors and even because of it human qualities, but the fact of the matter is that most people love orchids and try to grow them as best as they can but it is rare to find people who can keep an orchid for long and really know how to take care of these delicate flowers.
In the past orchids were rare and they were abundant only in their natural living habitats, with modern times people have grown used to the fact that almost everything is delivered to every corner of the world and that even the rarest flowers or products are available to them.
Experts estimate that there are around 20 thousand different kinds of orchids, these orchids grow in many different climates and conditions and are found in many different places around the world. Anyone who is serious about growing orchids knows that light is very important, light is critical if you want your orchids to have flowers, you will need to supply the right amount of light and be very careful not to burn the orchid, even though in some aspects the orchid may seem to be very sensitive and delicate, these are actually very strong flowers, and they will survive even without light or ideal conditions, the only thing is that they will only survive and not bloom.
These basic facts brings us to a common sense conclusion, if you are interested in having orchids in your garden you will need to think about the best location for that kind of orchid and with some effort you could provide the ideal conditions for the orchid to grow in your garden.
In order to make the most of the orchids you grow you should have some basic understanding of the three main kinds of orchids you can find, as you probably understand by now, understanding the orchid plant needs will assist you in making it bloom and survive in your environment.
These are three kinds of orchids and the basic treatment that they require. Epiphytes, this kind of orchid plant will enjoy being placed on elevated position, placing the Epiphytes orchid on a high shelf or stand will provide a situation very similar to its natural habitat where it grows on trees.
Lithophytes orchids are, unlike the Epiphytes, better placed on a low space, they are known as orchids that grow on the bases of trees and they enjoy feeding on organic nutrition such as rich organic soil and discomposed mildews. Terrestrials orchids. When speaking of the Terrestrials you should know that they are the conventional varieties of orchids. Place the Terrestrials on the ground and they will plant themselves strongly and take care of their needs.
There is much more information about orchids and many different techniques to grow them better and better, this is only the tip of the iceberg, this basic knowledge is important for anyone who is interested in having lovely orchids in his garden.]]></description>
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	<title>Designing your Garden</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Gardening/Designing-your-Garden.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:17:57 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Gardening</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[Gardening is a science. It&rsquo;s about working with the elements of nature to create an artistic expression of yourself around your home. There are many reasons to have a garden. For many of us, it&rsquo;s a hobby or simply aesthetically pleasing. For others, the more practical motivation is to improve our property values. Whatever your reason, planning a garden is important and should be the first step we undertake in the journey of gardening.
Where do you start? Begin by observing your current yard. Do you like it? Are things missing? Are things too crowded? Take photographs or keep written journal for several weeks and record how much light you are getting in various locations of your yard and different times a day. This may also change seasonally. Make note of key points of your home such as sidewalks, driveways, or perhaps a deck or patio you&rsquo;ll be working around. Next, determine why you want a garden. Who is using the grounds you will be gardening. Will you have small children playing or pets that need to be factored into consideration? Keep an idea on what your budget will be and how much time you have to put into garden maintenance. Surprisingly, one of the last considerations and priorities should be the types of plants you will use. When the time comes to select those, you can find a whole base of knowledge regarding plant, tree, or shrub selections through your local nurseries, libraries, or community organizations such as park and recreation departments or local arboretums.
Gardening doesn&rsquo;t need to be fancy. Keeping a simple but well kept garden may be ideal for many people. Do select a garden location. Put your yard down on paper and determine where you want various things in your yard. Keep in mind you will not want trees to close to building structures, and plan ahead for when they grow and reach mature size. Make sure water is easily accessible.
There are several elements of design to factor into your overall plan. Eyes will automatically shift to a garden line, whether it is the edge of a walkway, or the curve of a flower bed. Gentle, slow curves and horizontal lines tend to be perceived as restful and tranquil while jagged diagonals or vertical lines suggest formality and alertness. Experiment with various textures within your garden. Generally gardens are composed of foliage, bark, or flowers and changes within the light during the day and the seasons. Scent is often neglected, but a very important gardening element. Introducing fragrance will bring an extra dimension to the garden by expanding sensory awareness. Scents are more likely to be appreciated if they are located near a path, entryway, or patio. Color is often one of the greatest challenges to gardeners. It can be employed in a variety of ways. You may prefer to design in a green monotone with only an occasional splash of another color, as exemplified in traditional Japanese gardens. Some take the approach of using kaleidoscopic patterns as might be found in a wildflower meadow. Whatever you use, it&rsquo;s about personal choice. What appeals to you?
Don&rsquo;t be afraid to use duplication of line, form, texture, scent, or color throughout your garden. When any design element is repeated the mind is better able to comprehend the composition as a whole. Certainly, you don&rsquo;t want repetition carried to the extremes or your garden will be monotonous. Use one or two qualities of design and hold them constant while varying other parts for the best balance. Variety can be added in other areas. Decide if you prefer the look of a more formal garden, which would usually have more symmetrical arrangements, or if you like the look of asymmetrical informal gardens.
Focal points are important. Often this is done with larger elements like trees and shrubs. These are the elements that initially seize attention. Be careful not to utilize too many focal points or other elements of the composition will be lost. Other design elements can be connected by using a consistent direction or point of focus. This will allow them to sequence and flow together. Elements of the garden should agree in the sense that they convey the size of your garden as a whole. Gardens should be harmonious.
Finally, evaluate your selected garden site. Know your space in terms of width and height. Work with your seasons of interest. Do you want a garden that appeals to you each season or only in the spring and summer? Take into consideration the number of plants needed and the amount of maintenance that you will be able to devote.
Most gardeners would agree that a garden is never finished. It is always a work in progress. A garden should not be work. Your garden should be your labor of love, like any craft something you enjoy spending time and energy cultivating. If you initially make mistakes within your garden, just turn them into learning opportunities. There is no right or wrong way to garden, just how to best utilize nature, space, and your vision of beauty. Finally, allow yourself to enjoy your garden. A well planned garden will bring you years of rewards.]]></description>
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	<title>Everybody Can Garden with Containers</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Gardening/Everybody-Can-Garden-with-Containers.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:17:10 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Gardening</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[Container gardening is fantastic. On its own, a terracotta pot is just a container and summer bedding is just some plants. However, selectively plant the summer bedding in the container, add a few sprinkles of green-fingered expertise and you have created a miniature garden-scape. You are effectively planting a garden in miniature. This is known to some people as container design planting. The constructive planting of containers allows people who may just have a balcony to enjoy a taste of horticulture; containerised planting also brings the garden within the reach of a disabled persons fork and trowel.
Cleaning containers
To help you create thriving container plantings for the summer, please consider the following&hellip; If you intend replanting any containers you should get rid of all traces of compost from the previous year. Be scrupulous in your washing as particles of previous year&rsquo;s compost can harbour pests, diseases and mould spores. To ensure a clean environment for growing, wash the heavier covering of old compost off with a hose. Follow this by plunging the containers into water containing a garden disinfectant such as &lsquo;Jeyes fluid&rsquo;. Scrub off any stubborn compost with a scrubbing brush, do this whilst in the disinfectant. Rinse the containers well under running water and leave them to dry. Use this method on window boxes as well, particularly if you have a build up of old compost and your planting tends to finish flowering far too early.
Container drainage
Check your container for adequate drainage holes, If you have too few or no drainage holes at all then your plants may suffer from oxygen starvation due to excess water. To prevent drainage points becoming blocked with compost, I suggest placing a layer of broken terracotta or polystyrene bedding plant trays over the drainage holes. In fact broken polystyrene bedding plant trays can also be used to fill the main body of larger containers; this will reduce the amount of potting compost needed.
Compost level
Fill your container with a quality peat or loam-based compost and firm lightly. Ensure this compost stops at least 1 inch below the lip of the container; this will be your watering space.
Planting
Hours before planting, plunge these plants in a bucket of water and thoroughly soak them. Watering like this will prevent shock upon replanting and will also help merge the plants existing compost to its new container compost. Position the plants on top of the container to get an impression of what the final planting could look like, it is better to alter positions at this stage rather than at the mucky post planting stage.
Centre and surrounding planting
Aim to plant from the centre of the container outwards. Create a central or offset central hole big enough for the rootball of the central plant. Examples of good central plants would be a Cordyline or Phormium. Remove the pot (believe me, some people forget this) and place the plant into the hole firming the compost around it. Then, settle the rest of the plants in similar planting style around the edges. All the plants should end up at the same depth as they were in their original containers.
Watering
Ensure the containers compost stops at least 1 inch below the lip of the container; this is to allow a watering space. Level the surface of the compost with your hand and water thoroughly until water starts to flow from the containers base. Leave the container to sit for about an hour, if after that hour any of the compost has settled then you may top it up. Wooden and unglazed terracotta containers usually require much more water due to their porous and absorbent nature. I suggest you apply a mulch of mini-chip bark or gravel to the composts surface, as well as being decorative this will lessen the containers loss of water through evaporation.]]></description>
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	<title>Do You Feed the Birds in your Garden?</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Gardening/Do-You-Feed-the-Birds-in-your-Garden.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:16:42 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Gardening</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[Putting a bird feeder in your garden is a very kind thing to do. It is getting harder and harder for birds to find food in urban areas &ndash; not only in winter, but all year round &ndash; and so bird feeders can often save their lives. They are also great for birdwatching, if that&rsquo;s what you&rsquo;re into, especially if you leave the bird feeder in the same place for a long time so that the birds start to remember where it is.
But what kind of bird feeder should you get? The simplest bird feeders are just tables for you to put food on, but the food you put on these is easily stolen by squirrels, who will keep coming back for more and burying it all over your garden. You should consider a cage feeder, where the food is inside a cage so that birds need to use their beaks to get it, or perhaps a feeder with a specially-designed perch that will collapse under the weight of a squirrel. However, both of these options can be impractical if you want to feed larger birds, so you need to consider whether it&rsquo;s really worth it or if you might as well just put out more food.
The other thing you should think about is what you&rsquo;re going to put in your bird feeder. Obviously this depends mainly on what kind of birds you expect to attract. Most birds will prefer seeds such as millet, but meat-eating birds will prefer &lsquo;bird cake&rsquo; and a few birds like hummingbirds want a mixture of sugar and water (a kind of substitute nectar). Some birds also like to eat fruit, so you might try leaving pieces of apple or orange in the mixture as well. If you&rsquo;re not sure which birds will come, then the best thing to do is to have a little of everything at first, and then see what is popular.]]></description>
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	<title>How To Spruce Up Your Garden Decor</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Gardening/How-To-Spruce-Up-Your-Garden-Decor.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:16:18 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Gardening</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[Fabulous backyards are all the rage now. From ornate concrete fountains, bubbling fish ponds, garden bridges, and cedar arbors, the current garden decor trends emphasize natural materials. Even the small budget can afford some of the accessories to make the plain looking backyard a special focal point. Here are some ideas for garden decor items that you can easily integrate into your backyard.
1. Add something with an earthen texture. Very popular now are copper based decor items or cast iron. Think rugged, rough, outdoors. Large outdoor stones are popular too. They may be arranged in a small display or simply one large stone used as a focal point. Any size will help. Many home and garden departments have an assortment of stones to choose from. Visit different stores to get an idea for prices and selection. Shop sales and clearances and end of season bargains for those special pieces.
2. Stepping stones. Not only for creating a walking path through your backyard, these stepping stones can be a focal point. Either in concrete colors or in different stone textures, these can add depth and flair. You can find stepping stones at your local garden center or even your favorite discount store.
3. Fountains. These can range from the very small tabletop ones to the larger concrete fountains with flowing waters. Some fountains are even mounted onto the wall. There are many themed fountains available but some of the more popular ones feature mermaids, children, or animals.
4. Wind chimes. It is not only the visual elements that are important. Sound plays a big part in creating a wonderful backyard experience. Check out several different kinds of wind chimes to get a feel for the variety of sounds they produce. Different materials will produce various sounds. Popular choices are wood wind chimes, metal chimes, or ones made of glass.
5. Large pots with flowering plants. Another inexpensive way to spruce up your yard is by adding a few well placed plants in decorative pots. Look for bold colors and big plants. A visit to your garden store will give you some ideas for displaying these plants.
Adding just a few of these ideas to your backyard will give it some extra style!]]></description>
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	<title>How to Build a Green-house</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Gardening/How-to-Build-a-Green-house.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:15:23 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Gardening</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[As with garden sheds, there are two ways to build a greenhouse: you can either buy the sheets of glass and the frame and do it yourself, or you can hire a professional. However, building a greenhouse can be a lot harder than building a garden shed, which is why even experienced DIY enthusiasts might want to think about calling in some professional help.
The main reason greenhouses are difficult to build is the material that they&rsquo;re made from: glass. If you drop glass or install it wrongly, it will shatter, meaning that any mistakes you make will start to get expensive fast. Would you put in your own windows? If not, you probably shouldn&rsquo;t be building a greenhouse. If greenhouses are built incorrectly, not only is it dangerous, but it is unlikely that any of your plants will actually grow properly. Also, it is very difficult to build greenhouses when the sun is shining, as you will get very hot &ndash; it&rsquo;s easier to do it in the winter or the night, but then those are hardly ideal building conditions either.
It can also be complicated to install the necessary irrigation and air circulation systems that a greenhouse needs to function well, although this is less of a problem in a small greenhouse.
If you are going to hire a professional to either build your greenhouse for you or help you, however, make sure that they have the relevant certification and qualifications. Because glass is such a dangerous material, you should steer clear of anyone who seems confident but inexperienced, and only hire someone who knows what they&rsquo;re doing, even if it is at a relatively high price. If you&rsquo;re having trouble finding someone, contact the company that sold you the greenhouse originally, as they should have a list of registered installers in your area.]]></description>
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	<title>Gardening Facts</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Gardening/Gardening-Facts.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:15:02 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Gardening</category>
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	<description><![CDATA[Gardening can be described as an art in which plants are grown for the purpose of creating an impressive landscape. Gardening can take place at a private home, or it can be used at public buildings. The space that is used for gardening is called the garden. While most gardens will typically be located on the ground, some have been built on top of roofs as well. A large garden is often referred to as being a park, and will often be a tourist attraction. In a large facility a number of workers will be responsible for the maintenance of the garden, and are called gardeners. Gardening falls under three primary categories, and these are outdoor gardening, indoor gardening, and water gardening.
As the name implies, indoor gardening is the art of creating gardens inside buildings and homes. Houseplants will often be used, and the garden may also be used as a natural heating or cooling unit. Water gardening is the art of growing plants near ponds or pools. The most basic water garden will be a small collection of water that will contain plants. While many people compare gardening to farming, there are a number of notable differences. Farming is designed to grow food that can be consumed by individuals, while gardening is done primarily for design purposes.
While food may be grown in a garden, it will generally only be consumed by the gardener and their close relatives. Farming is almost always done on a much large scale than gardening. While very few tools are required for gardening, extensive equipment must be used by those who want to create even moderate sized farms. Despite this, it should be noted that the lines between gardens and farms often become blurred. Despite the fact that most gardens are much smaller than farms, they tend to be much more productive.
The design of the garden is considered to be sacred in many cultures. While gardening is often considered to be the work of women, Samurai warriors in feudal Japan were expected to create elaborate gardens in a process called ikebana. Throughout history, architects have been used to design beautiful gardens, and this process continues today. There are a number of social roles that gardens have played in societies, and this is also the case in the United States. Gardening is not only a form of art, but it can be an important source of food. Many governments have now begin banning the importation of plants to different countries. While some say it is merely to stop the spread of bacteria, others feel that it destroys and important part of gardening.
Gardening is a practice which has existed since antiquity, and it is likely that it has been in existence in some form since humans first discovered agriculture. One of the most impressive historical gardens was the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and it was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In addition to this, ancient Rome was famous for having a large number of beautiful gardens as well.]]></description>
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	<title>Design Your Own Rose Garden</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Design-Your-Own-Rose-Garden.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:11:36 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Rose Gardening</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Design-Your-Own-Rose-Garden.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[The texture and the fullness of the rose is unlike any other flower, and they come in a wide variety of scents and colors that range from a very bright yellow to a dark deep red. It is curious that such a beautiful flower is also equipped with such a thorny stem. A little of the good and the bad from nature I suppose. Roses originally came from the northern hemisphere, and there are over a hundred species growing in mostly temperate regions. Although the rose as been the flower of choice to express ones love for many years now, it was used originally for medicinal purposes in medieval times.
Rose gardens are not only one of the most beautiful types of flower gardens to have, they are without a doubt the most difficult to grow and maintain. This doesn&rsquo;t mean one should not give it a try, it just means you should research the subject so you are well prepared. One of the biggest challenges you will run into when doing research on rose garden material is finding the time to continue searching. Many of the articles that you uncover on this subject will be useful, but there will be some that won't be. It is necessary that you find the best resources available on this subject.
Whether to plant red roses, yellow roses, rose vines, rose bushes, or climbing roses are just a few of the choices you will need to make when planning your rose garden. There are many types of roses to plant in your garden so take your time when considering what kind of flowers you want blooming in your garden.
If it is hard for you to visualize your finished rose garden design by just looking at your layout, there is some very good garden landscape design software available. Much of the garden landscape design software was originally developed for professional landscapers, but since has been modified for the beginner who wants to do-it-themselves. There are many do-it-yourself landscape design software programs available today. Landscape design software lets you see a virtual picture of the rose garden design and enables you to move items around and see the changes you make come to life. Most landscape design software programs offer advice on using and placing the many different types of roses available today in your design. A well designed rose garden will always change with time, and some of the landscape design software available will allow you to view your rose garden as it matures. You can see what it will look like 5 or 10 years from now when the rose bushes and plants have grown and matured.
The leading search engine for finding rose garden related info is Google. Finding rose garden material on the net isn't arduous; it just takes a little bit of diligence. While one might believe that the greatest means to use for researching thorough info on this topic is the internet, it is vital not to leave out other sources. Keep in mind; you're not going to find every tidbit of rose garden information educational. To stay current with the newest info, you should think about signing up for an RSS feed on the topic of rose gardens
One of the most famous rose gardens is the White House Rose Garden, and is located in the west wing of the White House. Many Presidential ceremonies and news conferences have taken place here, as well as the wedding of Richard Nixon&rsquo;s daughter Tricia, to Edward Cox in 1971. First Lady Ellen Louise Wilson the wife of President Woodrow Wilson established the garden in 1913 when she redesigned what was previously known as the colonial gardens.
http://www.rosegarden.selectionsguide.com/&nbsp;]]></description>
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	<title>Your Rose Garden Planting</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Your-Rose-Garden-Planting.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:11:11 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Rose Gardening</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Your-Rose-Garden-Planting.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[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.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>The Basics of Rose Gardens</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/The-Basics-of-Rose-Gardens.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:10:37 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Rose Gardening</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/The-Basics-of-Rose-Gardens.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[There are two main classes of roses: Bush roses and climbing roses. These two classifications are based entirely on tendencies of growth. Bush roses grow from 1 foot to 6 feet in height and require no support. Climbing roses produce long canes each year and must be provided with some type of support. Bush Roses Bush roses include many types grouped according to flowering habit, winter hardiness, and other traits. These types are hybrid teas, floribundas. polyanthas, hybrid perpetuals, shrubs, old-fashioned, tree or standard, and miniature.
Hybrid Teas: Hybrid teas are more widely grown and more popular than all other types of roses combined. They are the so-called monthly or everblooming roses, and are the ones grown in beds in rose gardens and by florists under glass. In fact, when the word &quot;rose&quot; is used, it generally suggests a hybrid tea variety. Most hybrid teas are winterhardy in the milder sections of the country, but varieties differ in cold resistance. In sections where winters are severe, practically all varieties need some protection.
Floribundas: Floribunda roses bear their flowers in clusters, and the individual blooms of many closely resemble hybrid teas. They are increasing in popularity, especially for bed plantings where large numbers of flowers are wanted. As a rule floribunda varieties are hardy: they will tolerate more neglect than any other type of rose with the possible exception of some of the shrub species. While some are fine for cutting, they will not replace hybrid teas for this purpose.
Polyanthas: Polyantha roses are distinguished from the floribundas by their smaller flowers, which are borne in large clusters. They are closely related to many of the climbing roses, having flower clusters very similar to them in form and size of individual florets. The polyanthas are hardy and may be grown in many sections where hybrid teas are difficult to grow. Their chief use is in bed plantings or in borders with other perennials. They are excellent for mass plantings.
Hybrid Perpetuals: Hybrid perpetuals are the June roses of grandmother's garden. Their flowers are large. Generally they lack the refinement of hybrid teas. As their name indicates, they are considered as ever-blooming types, although most of them do not bear continuously through the growing season as do hybrid teas. They usually develop large, vigorous bushes if given good cultural care and proper pruning. They are very hardy and stand low winter temperatures without protection.
Shrub Roses: Shrub roses are actually a miscellaneous group of wild species, hybrids, and varieties that develop an open bush type of growth that is useful in general landscape work. They are hardy in all sections of the country. While their flowers do not equal in size or form those of other types of roses, many bear very attractive seed pods in the fall. They have very fine foliage and some are quite useful for hedges or screen plantings.
Visit Merchants Passage for garden decor and accessories and Garden Gnomes.]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Enjoy Rose Gardening</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Enjoy-Rose-Gardening.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:10:16 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Rose Gardening</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Enjoy-Rose-Gardening.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[The rose. It has been the subject of many a poem, prose and song. It has been one of the many symbols of beauty, love and female sexuality. It has warmed and won hearts all over.
But before a rose becomes a bloom that has the power over many, it has to begin somewhere as a plain and innocent bud, unnoticed and enjoying its life along with the other buds.
It is here in the rose garden where it all starts. Where the roses live until they are ready to be let go. Here is where the rose gardener toils and toils and toils until he is ready to let go. But for him it is not tiring work. The gardener enjoys both the trip and the destination.
Rose gardening is an activity that can serve lots of purposes. Some go into it mainly for profit, as there is always a demand for roses. Probably because roses are one of the most popular flowers there are, famed for their beauty and smell. Some find them therapeutic and relaxing; tending to something which grows into beauty gives some people the feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment. Others find rose gardening, or just plain gardening a delight within itself.
Whatever it is your purpose for doing rose gardening, if you&rsquo;re still a beginner, you have to know a few things first. Rose gardening is not a simple task, you don&rsquo;t happen to notice roses grow just about anywhere, don&rsquo;t you? These are delicate flowers which require your attention and dedication.
First thing in rose gardening, you have to choose what variety of rose it is that you want to plant. But you can&rsquo;t just pick any variety. You have to take into consideration factors like growing conditions, garden size etc.
After picking the rose variety that you want to plant, you have to prepare your spot. Rose gardening involves picking and preparing a good site and bed for plantation. A good site should ideally receive six hours of sun a day, or at least a good dose of sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. Adequately drained soil is a must, poor drainage or &ldquo;wet feet&rdquo; will be death for your flowers. Although roses would do well in most soil types, having a high organic content will be better. Do check the pH levels of your soil, 6.0 &ndash; 7.0 would be good.
One of the highlight events in your rose gardening is planting. If you&rsquo;re planning to use bare root roses in your rose gardening, try to purchase them as close as possible to your planting time. Soak these first in water for 8 to 12 hours to help rehydrate the plant. You must also &ldquo;sweat&rdquo; the canes after planting them into the soil to avoid drying the canes up. There are different methods of doing this, most growers just put a moist brown paper bag over the canes.
Potted roses are easier to plant and are ready for planting the whole season. You just take it out of the container and put it in a hole deep enough to accommodate the root ball. Same with box roses, although it generally recommended that you remove the cardboard box first (because the instructions might say otherwise).
After you have prepared and planted, your rose gardening activities will mainly consist of mulching, pruning, fertilizing and of course, watering. You just have to prepare a rose gardening plan for these things. It would be good to research on the needs of the variety of rose that you have chosen.]]></description>
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	<title>Rose Gardening: Water, Sun and Shade</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Rose-Gardening--Water--Sun-and-Shade.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:09:55 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Rose Gardening</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Rose-Gardening--Water--Sun-and-Shade.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[The rose is not getting enough sun. Roses need a minimum 6 hours of direct sun a day to do well. The rose plant needs more water. Roses like as a minimum 1 inch of water per week during the growing season. The rose has been given too much fertilizer especially Nitrogen. Too much fertilizer can either damage the rose or cause it to grow additional leaves and stems at the expense of blooms. The rose is a new plant. Do not expect too much from a plant during its first year.
Rose is a once blooming variety. This means it will bloom once a year in the late spring or early summer. Soil pH is too low or too high. If the pH is not within the range of 6.0 to 6.8 then nutrient uptake will be less, and the plant won't be getting the food it must have to produce flowers. Not enough foliage. If the bush does not have enough foliage, it can not make the food it needs to make new flowers. Inadequate foliage can be result from disease or too little fertilizer.
How much water do roses need?
Roses welcome lots of water. Water kindly, at least 1 inch/week, if possible 2 inches/week during growing season. You should water every 4-7 days during the summer. A rose bush needs about 4-5 gallons/week during the hot summer.
Roses get their food either through the leaves (foliar feeding) or through the roots. The only medium for transporting food is water. Infrequent deep watering is better than frequent light watering. This will help to promote a deep root system. Deep root systems help the rose to survive droughts and winter freezes. Light and frequent watering causes roots to form very near the soil surface, and that is not good. When watering late in the day, you should try to avoid getting the leaves wet, because it promotes disease. But on a hot day wetting the foliage can reduce transpiration and relieve heat stress on the rose.
How much sun does a rose need?
Roses prefer a full day of sun. Give roses at least 6 hours of direct sun a day. Morning sun is especially important because it dries the leaves which helps prevent disease.
Can roses be grown in shade?
Generally roses do poorly in shady conditions. They bloom less, are leggy, and get diseases more easy. But Hybrid Musk&rsquo;s and some Alba&rsquo;s can tolerate partial shade. The Floribunda &quot;Gruss An Aachen&quot; can be grown in shade. Some other roses that may grow in partial shade are the Iceberg(FB), Rugosas, Zephirine Drouhin (Bourbon), Madame Plantier and Souvenir du Docteur Jamain(HP)]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>Rose Gardening</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Rose-Gardening.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:09:25 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Rose Gardening</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Rose-Gardening.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[A rose is said to be a symbol of love. For generations, the rose has been the most popular flower known not only for its beauty for the significance it holds. There are so many varieties and different colors of roses. Rose gardening is perhaps the most popular among all flower lovers. You need to take care of your garden in all seasons to make sure that your flowers remain as beautiful as it should be.
You should keep in mind some things if you want to keep your rose garden healthy.
Planting:
Before planting your plant, you should first check the soil and the location. Always select a sunny, well-drained location. Remember to trim off all broken and bruised roots and cut top growth back to 6 to 8 inches. Dig planting holes at least 6 inches deeper than needed for the plant roots. The holes should be large enough to accommodate roots without crowding or bending, and then place a handful of small rocks or pebbles in the bottom of holes to facilitate drainage. Mix about 1 tablespoonful of fertilizer with the soil placed over the drainage material. Cover this mixture with plain soil, bringing the level to desired planting depth. Make a mound in the center to receive plant and set plant roots over this mound, spread the roots and fill in with soil. Firm the soil tightly 2 or 3 times while filling the hole.
FEEDING:
There are different types of roses and all need different care and attention. Some are winter roses; some are summers and some spring roses.
Hybrid Tea, Polyantha, Floribunda Types:
For these types of roses the first feeding comes in early spring as soon as the leaf buds begin to swell. You should clean the mulch and work plant food into soil around the plant. Use about 1 tablespoonful of fertilizer per plant. Then comes the second feeding which should be made at the same rate and immediately following the first heavy bloom. The third feeding is done in late summers and should also be made at the same rate. You should follow a regular monthly feeding program during the growing season to get good results.
Tea Roses:
The same procedure is followed for this type also but the amount of fertilizer used is a bit more. Here you should use one half of the above amounts, applying in a similar manner and at the same times.
Hybrid Perpetual, Climbing, Shrub Roses:
For these types about 1 tablespoonful of fertilizer is used to each square foot of space around the bush in early spring. When blooms start to appear the plants are to be fed again. In both cases work the fertilizer lightly into the soil to within 4 inches of the plant.
DISEASES AND PESTS:
Fungal infections are common in roses. Early summer is when fungus most commonly appears on roses. Black-spots appear on the flower. Insects, such as aphids, thrips, and red spider, are some of the insects that cause problems. Control is easy and prevention is practical with the regular use of chemicals that controls most fungus diseases and chewing and sucking insects. Neem oil product is not only rated for fungal diseases, it will control spider mites and pest insects, as well. Regular dusting every week or 10 days will make the disease-insect problem easy to handle.
Keeping in mind these points will help you take care of your rose garden, free from insects and diseases. Of course who wouldn't want to show off their beautiful garden. The time and effort you put will definitely not go wasted.]]></description>
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	<title>Learn Rose Gardening - And Have Fun Doing It!</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Learn-Rose-Gardening---And-Have-Fun-Doing-It.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:08:51 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Rose Gardening</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/Learn-Rose-Gardening---And-Have-Fun-Doing-It.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Are you ready to learn rose gardening? Here are some basics to help you start growing healthy, vibrant roses. It's a great thing to do for yourself and your garden!
In any rose garden there are some overall needs. Roses do need good garden soil, sunlight, and the availability of water. So let's begin to learn rose gardening with where your roses will &quot;live.&quot;
The Rose Bed:
Almost any soil is, or can be made into, good garden soil. The best soil for your rose bed is a well-drained, fertile, light soil at least two feet deep. A pH between 6.0 - and 6.5 is ideal. Make sure your rose bed will get at least 4 hours of full sunlight a day, with 6 hours being best.
Purchasing Your Roses:
Roses can be easily bought from nurseries and garden centers. They will come as either &quot;bare root&quot; roses, or in containers (packaged).
Bare-root roses come with the roots protected in a moist packaging substance. Purchase these roses as close to planting time as possible, and plant them while they are dormant. Depending on your climate, the best planting time is late winter or early spring, after any frozen ground has thawed.
How To Plant Bare Root Roses:
1. Before planting, soak the roots in water overnight.
2. Dig a hole and make a mound of soil in the bottom of it. Set the plant on the mounds, spreading the roots evenly around the mound.
3. Place the rose so the bud union is at the same height as the ground surface.
4. Cover the roots with loose soil and press lightly. Add more soil until the hole is half full, then fill with water, letting the water soak in.
5. Fill the hole with soil, and you're done!
How To Plant Container, or Packaged, Roses:
1. To plant the rose while it is still dormant, take it out of the box and plant it like a bare-root rose.
2. If the rose is growing (showing leaves and flowers), cut the bottom of the container off, and cut several openings on each side. You want the roots to be unrestricted.
3. Set the rose in the planting hole to the right depth. Fill the hole with soil and water.
Mulching Roses:
Mulching your roses is good for any soil and in any climate. It is extremely helpful in dry areas. Mulch keeps the soil temperature steady, and prevents heavy rain from causing the top soil to cake up. Mulching also helps to controls weeds.
Watering Roses:
Roses need to receive 1 inch of water per week. What's the best way? Watering deeply once a week, instead of watering lightly more often. Overhead sprinkling is great when done in the morning. This lets the foliage dry out before nightfall. Using soaker hoses or other drip-irrigation systems may be a more convenient way to water your roses.
Winter Treatment:
It's fairly easy to help most roses get safely through winter. Start by shoveling a protective mound of soil around the base of the rose. Then add a few scoops of mulch around the base, and they should stay well insulated.
Pruning Roses:
As you learn rose gardening, you'll find that much satisfaction comes from pruning your roses. By pruning, you remove old wood and encourage sap to flow into younger and stronger branches.
Most roses need moderately light pruning. Prune roses in late winter or in early spring, as soon as the buds begin to swell, but before they start to open. In warm climates, pruning can be a year-round activity.
Of course, there is more to learn about rose gardening... but these basics will see that you're off to a good start. The main thing is to enjoy the beauty and blessings our roses bring us every day!]]></description>
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<item>
	<title>The Tools of Rose Gardening</title>
	<link>http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/The-Tools-of-Rose-Gardening.html</link>
<pubDate>Mon, 24 Jul 2006 17:08:07 -0400</pubDate>
<category>Rose Gardening</category>
<guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.eGardeningToday.com/info/Rose-Gardening/The-Tools-of-Rose-Gardening.html</guid>
	<description><![CDATA[Like any job you tackle, it's always easier if you have the right tools. Before heading out to your rose garden, make sure you arm yourself with these basic rose gardening tools.
Gloves
&quot;You can complain because a rose has thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have a rose.&quot; - Tom Wilson.
The rose garden is no place for thin, wimpy gloves. Unless you enjoy feeling the thorns pierce your skin, opt for leather work gloves with those big, fold-down cuffs.
Pruners
A good pruner is one tool that you will use almost daily. There are two types of pruners on the market. One is called an &quot;anvil&quot; pruner, and the other is called a &quot;bypass&quot; pruner. An anvil pruner has blades that meet on top of each other. Bypass pruners have blades that pass each other like scissors. Always use bypass pruners so you don't crush your canes and stems.
Loppers
When your rose garden starts to mature there will come a time when loppers will be indispensable for cutting back old, thick canes that are too much for pruning shears. If you are just starting your rose garden, save your money, since you won't need this for a few years.
Kneeling Pads
Some people prefer the big 8&quot;x15&quot; water-resistant pads with handles, while others prefer strap-on knee pads. The kneepads are more convenient because they move when you move, but the one-size-fits-all knee cups may not work for you. In that case, the pad with handles should suit you fine.
Short Digging Fork
This tool is indispensable for turning and loosening soil in small patches. Choose a good quality model with steel tines and a sturdy handle.
Watering Wand
Great for watering potted roses and for giving your other roses a good root soaking. Choose a model with a quick shutoff valve on the wand itself, and a quick release fitting for the end that attaches to the hose. Spend the money to get a wand with brass fittings instead of plastic. It will last years longer.
Long-Handled Shovel
Choose a lightweight model with a strong handle. Shovels with fiberglass throats are good choices. Spend a few extra dollars and get one with a padded handle, and it will save you lots of blisters as the years go by.
Wheelbarrow
Avoid the temptation to buy the cute garden &quot;carts.&quot; You are going to need a real wheelbarrow. As your gardening addiction--I mean hobby--takes off there will be no end to the things you will be hauling in and out of your garden. Some of those things will be very heavy and you'll be glad that you have a real wheelbarrow to help you.
Garden Rake
This is the rake with the sharp steel teeth that you use for leveling and smoothing beds. Choose one with a sturdy handle and steel tines.
Leaf Rake
You'll use this tool often for cleaning up clippings, leaves and other garden debris. You may want to buy both a regular size rake, and one of the smaller &quot;child size&quot; rakes for pulling debris from tight quarters.
You shouldn't have any trouble locating these basic rose gardening tools. Your local garden supply store will likely stock them, or if you don't mind purchasing gently-used items, check out yard sales for your gardening supplies.
Enjoy yourself!]]></description>
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