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FRESH PICK WHAT TO PLANT THIS WEEK TULIP (TULIPA). - 24 Feb 2017 16:17

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[[html]]Byline: Barbara De Witt Staff Writer TULIPS ARE one of the first signs of spring, but you need to buy them now. A spring-blooming bulb, much like daffodils, crocuses and irises, tulips are fairly goof-proof but require a little more effort in the San Fernando Valley because winter comes so late - if at all. They're worth the effort because they are regal-looking, whether poking their colorful cupped heads out of the garden or from a tall vase in the house. The only downside of tulips - and other bulbs - is that they bloom just once a year, so plant plenty. GETTING STARTED: Bulbs of all types are arriving now in garden centers, sold separately and in net bags that make it easy to inspect them and avoid any that look moldy. While gardeners in areas that already have cold evenings (as low as 40 degrees) can plant them immediately, San Fernando Valley gardeners need to refrigerate them for four to six weeks. “Refrigeration replicates winter, so in a sense you're fooling the tulip bulbs,” explains Ed McCord, manager of Green Thumb nursery in Canoga Park. McCord says the bulbs should be placed in a brown paper bag or a plastic one that has holes and stored in the vegetable crisper drawer of the refrigerator (or a lower shelf), but away from ripening fruit. When it's time to plant the bulbs, place them pointy end up - so the roots will grown down - in loose, preconditioned, fertilized soil in an area that will have at least four hours of daily sunlight, he says. For a longer blooming season, plant some of the tulip bulbs at four weeks, others at six weeks. CARE AND MAINTENANCE: Tulips require well-fed soil, so, in addition to an organic compost mixed into the soil, you should “top-dress” the bed with compost or peat or a slow-release water-soluble fertilizer. Once the tulips have bloomed, you can “dead-head” them by snipping off the faded flowers to prevent the formation of seeds. VARIETIES: Tulips come in numerous colors from white to pink, orange to dark purple in sturdy-stemmed varieties that bloom in the early spring, with taller, more high-profile varieties such as Triumph tulips and Darwin hybrids peeking out of the soil in midspring. The impressive Parrot tulip, noted for its large, long, deeply fringed and ruffled flower and often featured in still-life paintings, is a late bloomer. There's also an exotic family of tulips, and one of the most brilliant examples is the Fosteriana, which has the largest tulip bloom - measuring up to 8 inches wide, according to the “Sunset Western Garden Book” (Sunset; $32.95). Looking for height and width? The Emperor variety of Fosteriana grows up to 16 inches tall before topping off with <a href="http://enchantedfloristpasadena.weebly.com/">two dozen red roses</a> its huge bloom, and the Orange Emperor is a favorite of TV talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, says Sally Ferguson, spokeswoman for the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Talk to your nursery person or a horticulturist at public gardens such as Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge at (818) 949-4200. Or see the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center Web site at bulb.com. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: The Orange Emperor tulip, also known as a Fosteriana tulip, above, is a favorite of Oprah Winfrey, according to Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center. [[/html]] - Comments: 0

Nuisance or nice? Florida family's holiday lights frazzle neighbors | Reuters - 24 Nov 2016 18:47

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[[html]]"EXTREME CHRISTMAS" His family starts planning their "Hyatt Extreme Christmas" display in July, begins decorating in October and <a href="https://eventplannersassociation.com/how-to-be-productive-even-when-you-feel-overwhelmed/">christmas centerpices</a> switches on the lights the day after Thanksgiving. On weekends in December, they welcome visitors inside the gates of their circle driveway for a close-up look at their collection, including a miniature Ferris wheel Hyatt built. <img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bczNCwiMwg8/UE4FMtaW1HI/AAAAAAAACx4/N0oLfyaOfmg/s1600/photos+of+christmas+flowers.JPG" width="309" /> In Plantation, Mark Hyatt, a mortgage banker and father of two, said he caught the decorating bug from his devout Catholic parents. His neighbors are less enchanted. They say strangers knock on their doors asking to use the bathroom, cut through their property to see the display and leave trash in the street - complaints Hyatt contends are untrue or exaggerated. "I have kids who came here when they were little and now are coming back with their own kids," he said. "That's the coolest thing of all." "It makes me feel like a kid again," said Chris Coburn, 37, of nearby Davie, Florida. The popular Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights display is ending its run this holiday season after two decades at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando. More than 2 million lights that belonged to late Arkansas philanthropist Jennings Osborne found a home in Florida in 1995 after he was sued by neighbors and ordered by courts to take down most of his decorations. "They believe it engenders goodwill and a bond between the community," said their Fort Lauderdale-based lawyer, James Helf. Several residents on the cul-de-sac said they are forced to flee their homes when the crowds become unbearable. "But to make it go away altogether is kind of Scroogy," he said. The city of Plantation sued the Hyatts in 2014 on the grounds that the "carnival-like atmosphere" was incompatible with the neighborhood. A trial has been set for April. The reaction of some neighbors and their city? Bah humbug! A Maine homeowner used lights to spell out ISIS, prompting calls to police last week that the person might be a sympathizer of the Islamic State militant group. As it turned out, the display included a Santa appearing to urinate on the letters with a stream of white lights, local media reported. The Hyatts are the target of such a lawsuit: The city of Plantation, about 30 miles north of Miami, is seeking to shut down their display that it deems a public nuisance. The couple is not backing down. PLANTATION, Fla. When it comes to holiday decorations, Kathy and Mark Hyatt go to extremes. Recent visitors were happy to see the lights still shining. (Reporting by Barbara Liston; Writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Richard Chang) By Barbara Liston | PLANTATION, Fla. Dennis LaFrance, 40, who drove 30 minutes with his three kids to see the display, said he could understand the frustration of the Hyatts' neighbors. <object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/22SLppF0tAI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/22SLppF0tAI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object> A city spokesman declined to comment. In December, they transform their home in Plantation, Florida, into a 200,000-light spectacle, with Santas, reindeer and candy canes blanketing the lawn, snowflakes and angels twinkling in the sky, and a sign over the garage beckoning visitors to "Believe in the Magic of Christmas." "This is a <a href="http://enchantedfloristpasadena.tumblr.com/post/153233076617/fly-me-away-our-many-beautiful-pink-roses">elegant christmas centerpiece</a> war zone, all because of the ego of that guy," said neighbor Rafael Imbert, 65, who erects a plastic construction fence to keep the thousands of sightseers lured by the lights off his lawn. In Ohio, a man has disregarded his critics by again erecting a nativity scene on his lawn portraying Jesus, Mary and Joseph as zombies. Disputes over holiday displays go hand in hand with the annual tradition. One person's festive spirit can bring out the Grinch in others, leading to fines, strained relationships and - in rarer cases - lawsuits claiming that decorations have gone too far.[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Tips Within Decorating your Centerpieces Pertaining To Thanksgiving - 19 Nov 2016 09:24

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[[html]]The Particular excitement associated with decorating gives a new mind filled with suggestions along with to create my means through organized; you've for you to plan it carefully. A New rustic decoration could match the style and style such because the use associated with beeswax candles using a touch of autumn colors, wooden boards, gourds, flower vases in which contain dahlias, roses, sprigs of greenery, amaranth flowers plus some grasses as well as berries. <img style="float:left;margin:10px;border:none;" src="http://bighdwalls.com/wp-content/uploads/violet-flowers-hd-wall1200.jpg" width="338" /> <object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/eJ5B1Fm1xQ0&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/eJ5B1Fm1xQ0&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object> Crafting - Thanksgiving wouldn’t become which memorable if you weren’t in any place to carve pumpkins together together using your loved ones. This would be greatest too in order to ask for your revenue clerks as to what they are usually able to recommend. This kind of became a new tradition as well in order to most family members whom finds it intriguing and fun in exactly the particular same time. You may also add edible Thanksgiving food to create it look much more enticing. Mix and match - if you are generally the kind of homeowner that will loves to combine furniture and decor perhaps think about centerpieces that are traditionally created while anyone celebrate Thanksgiving with your family. Tips Throughout Decorating your Centerpieces Pertaining To Thanksgiving Setting the actual mood with regard to Thanksgiving, for example lighting up scented pumpkin spice candles to create the particular ambiance associated with your property relaxing is actually one <a href="http://enchantedfloristblog.blogspot.com/2016/11/christmas-wreath-delivery.html">fall centerpieces with candles</a> with the ways for you to definitely commence decorating your entire household. Adding the particular crafted pumpkin for your centerpiece will be one way to just take pleasure from conversations as well. Making of gifts as a symbol of love and also thanksgiving Who does not love gifts? 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Coming From hanging decors, wall paintings, flower bouquets such as <a href="http://enchantedfloristpasadena.tumblr.com/post/153261591607/send-christmas-flowers-pasadena-florist">thanksgiving flower delivery</a> wreaths, and the most important amongst all the decors would be the centerpieces whether to your dining table or even in your living room. . Here tend to be few guidelines that an individual simply may follow. Vintage centerpiece- the use of your wood trencher or perhaps possibly a classic bowl of dough produces a fantastic lower centerpiece involving art which in turn you are generally in any position to fill with pine cones, gourds, pumpkins plus a few associated with several flowering branches. A New heartfelt, hand-made piece of Thanksgiving token symbolizes the event and the actual way they've developed a great impact inside your life[[/html]] - Comments: 0

Christmas Diner Decorating Tips - 06 Nov 2016 23:55

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[[html]]Inside your home, Christmas decorations help to give your home that Christmas spirit that people crave during the holiday season. <img src="http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/29800000/roses-roses-29831525-1920-1285.jpg" width="290" /> Christmas table decoration is a central issue in your decorating plans. That's where you'll be seating your guests for Christmas dinner, so you want your table to look its best. Another aspect of Christmas table decorations that requires your delicate attention is the centerpiece, you can use crystal glassware and complement this with small flowers that accent everything else but don't obstruct the view of the prospective diners. The idea is to repeat your color or decoration. By using a theme, your Christmas table decorations will go from ho-hum to spectacular! Use two napkins of different colors for each place setting. Place one napkin on top of the other. You can roll them separately or roll them together, but the important thing is to tie them together. You can also hang Christmas stockings either on your tree, on their door handles or around the mantle (as long as no fire is lit). Then add some surprise gifts inside. If you have a color scheme in your home that you would like to play off of, then that can make it even simpler. You can always find candles, ribbons, napkins, beads, etc. online or at the store. Add touches of <a href="https://enchantedfloristpasadena.wordpress.com/2016/11/03/league-city-gets-a-new-hospital-utmb-league-city-campus/">two dozen purple roses</a> winter greenery or tiny Christmas trees to solidify the look. <img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Bouquet_de_roses_roses.jpg" width="255" /> By: Danny Brillant Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com You may need to visit this interior design directory, called the House Directory which provides nice quality content and good list of suppliers for your home during that very special event. [[/html]] - Comments: 0

Roses 101. - Free Online Library - 17 Oct 2016 12:35

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[[html]]There is little wonder why the rose is called the "queen of flowers." Roses have long been cherished for their beauty, fragrance, and wide range of color. No other flower has been used more to express love, honor, or sympathy. Give someone a bouquet of roses, and you are sure to see a smile. <img style="float:right;margin:10px;border:none;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3NYVjgDoxCI/ULlD_tt1RXI/AAAAAAAACJo/1hvxQEyi4uo/s1600/Red-Flowers.jpg" width="357" /> Fossilized evidence indicates that roses grew in prehisotric times. It is believed they were first cultivated, probably in China, some five thousand years ago. Today, there are literally thousands of varieties to choose from, and contrary to popular belief, many are easy to grow.  Modern hybrid teas are the roses most people are familiar with because these are the roses used in florists' arrangements. They also give roses the reputation for being hard to grow. It is true that hybrid teas take almost daily care, but for the rose hobbyist and accomplished gardener, their caretaking is an enjoyable task.  David Austin English roses are modern roses that appeal to almost every rose grower. This group is classified as a shrub and combines the fragrance of old garden roses and the everblooming power of modern roses. These roses are vigorous and very hardy in Southern gardens. Many other breeders have followed Austin in creating new roses in the old world style.  Old garden roses are roses belonging to classes developed before 1867. These roses not only produce beautiful flowers with very little care, but their lush foliage makes them wonderful landscape plants. The revival of interest in these roses has made rose gardening more appealing to novice gardeners.  Whether you want a whole garden of roses or just a few to add to your landscape, there is one to fit practically every garden purpose. This versatility is another reason why the rose is so popular with gardeners. A SOUTHERN ROSE GARDEN  BY BONNIE GIBBS  When the roses are in bloom in front of the University of Southern Mississippi, it is a wondrous sight to behold. Rows and rows of hundreds of different varieties explode in a full range of colors, from a very pure white to a deep velvety scarlet. A heady scent washes over whoever traverses the wide, neatly kept rows of bushes. Many students have spent time in the garden over the years; some have even proposed to their intended with the fragrance of roses all around them. The rose garden has become a trademark of the university, and people from across the southeast travel to Hattiesburg to experience its beauty. So how did this magnificent natural display come about?  Well, in the late hours of a mid-summer's evening, the six charter members of the Hattiesburg Area Rose Society knelt before a long ribbon of white paper. Pencils and crayons in hand, they began a painstaking process of crafting the perfect design. Ideas became shapes, shapes became patterns, until finally patterns became a layout. Around 2 a.m., a consensus had been reached. The group agreed a fan shape would best showcase its latest brainchild, a nationally recognized rose garden to be located at The University of Southern Mississippi.  Planting rose gardens was nothing new to the HARS, whose purpose was to locate, display, and enjoy the flowers. Started in 1972 by Dr. and Mrs. William Eure, Mr. and Mrs. William Wicht, Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Waltman, the group had already planted a memorial garden at the Shreveport, Louisiana, headquarters of the American Rose Society. In fact, that project inspired members to bring the beauty of a rose garden to Hattiesburg, but on a larger scale. According to Dr. Eure, the garden's sitea large grassy area in the front of Southern's campuswas an obvious location. "It seemed like it was crying for a rose garden," he said.  With the concept, location, and design settled, the group's next move was to convince then university President William D. McCain to allow the garden on campus. A serious and respected leader, McCain had vowed to keep the campus "muddy or dusty with construction" during his tenure. Creating and maintaining a rose garden didn't exactly fit in with those plans. HARS President William Wicht, however, resolved to persuade McCain of the garden's importance. "Mr. Wicht was determined to make the rose garden a reality," Eure explained. "He would be at Dr. McCain's office every morning at 8 with our plans in hand."  William Wicht, Jr. agreed. "My dad drove McCain crazy about putting in a rose garden," he said. "I've heard stories of how Dr. McCain said the quickest way to get my dad out of his office was to agree to the rose garden." So vigilant was Wicht that McCain made a point of mentioning him at the rose garden's official dedication in April 1974. "Dr. McCain said he was more or less required to build this rose garden," Eure said with a laugh. "You have to remember that Mr. Wicht was German, and he could be tough."  In addition to being persistent, Wicht and his wife, Evelyn, were expert rosarians and often served nationally as rose judges. When McCain finally relented, the Wichts immediately put their expertise and connections to use. The couple attended the annual American Rose Society national meeting and convinced the majority of rose growers to send their blooms to Hattiesburg. By the time the garden was planted in 1973, growers from across the nation had sent 600 bushes to fill the 32 beds. By 1975, the garden was approved as an accredited Public Rose Garden by All-American Rose Selections Inc.  The tradition of displaying roses from across the country continues today. New blooms are selected by the American Rose Society, said Pat McDonald, director of grounds maintenance and president of the newly formed USM Rose Garden Society. "The ARS selects the best roses each year and sends 25 varieties of each to us," he explained. "This year we are planting the 2002 winners."  Caring for so many blooms has been made easier by the garden's design, which was carefully mapped out by the HARS. Aisles between the rows of roses are extra wide to accommodate maintenance crews and pedestrians. The ample width also affords enough space for machinery so work does not have to be done manually. Beds are elevated to alleviate any flooding caused by heavy rain, and a waterway system is located beneath the garden.  Even with its logistically sound layout, the garden requires yearlong care from a dedicated shrub pruning crew. During the garden's growing season, which typically lasts from April through October, a crew from USM's Grounds Maintenance spends up to 12 hours per week caring for the blooms. According to Sid Krhut, landscape superintendent, even with the garden's various hybrids, the crew employs a broad care system. The amount of water, nutrients, and sunlight are all constants, he said. Preventing or containing diseases, however, is where care can differ.  "Some roses are more susceptible to disease than others," he said. "Black spot is a common disease that roses get, but the newer roses coming out are more resistant to it. To prevent or contain the disease, there should be a regular spray program. We spray our roses every two weeks for half of the year, then depending on the weather, every three weeks."  Another maintenance measure the crew takes is radical pruning. "We do major pruning around mid to late February," Krhut said. "Then we do dead-heading, where we remove stump blooms or dead blooms every two to four weeks. When we dead-head, we don't take off major height. We have shrubs that are 18 inches tall and shrubs that are six-feet tall."  Krhut added that the crew also prunes shrubs during the fall and typically keeps three to five healthy canes per bush.  When planting season nears, the maintenance crew begins preparing the beds for the annual influx of roses. To make room for the newest blooms, the crew uproots the least productive beds and puts them through a rigorous sterilization process. "We dig out as much soil as possible and add new compost and new soil," Krhut explained. "We combine one-third aged pine bark compost, one-third topsoil or sand, and one-third horse manure. Then we treat the bed with a granular soil sterilant, which kills weeds and bacteria. The bed is covered for 20 days then left uncovered for 20 days, after which it is ready for the new roses."  Krhut said healthy roses either remain in the main garden or are replanted in various spots around campus. Currently, there are beds in front of the president's home, the baseball field, the Payne Center recreational complex, two of the residence halls, and the new fieldhouse.  With lush blooms sprinkled across campus, it is understandable that many students are tempted to pick a rose every now and then. According to campus lore, the university penalizes would-be pruners caught picking flowers, with hefty fines ranging between $50 and $500 per rose.  Even though USM occasionally contends with rose pickers, officials with Grounds Maintenance said having the garden on campus is worth it. "The rose garden is the signature effort of our department; we put a heck of a lot of work, time, and money into it," McDonald said. "The garden is symbolic of USM, and USM has become famous because of it. I like to think of it as the heartthrob of the university. At every commencement, at every reception, the roses are on display. We take great pride in them. The garden truly displays the best of the best roses."  Dr. Aubrey K. Lucas, past university president, echoed McDonald's sentiments. "The rose garden has brought immense beauty to our campus," he said. "It's one of the first things people see when they come to campus.  "I understand that when people decide they want to grow roses, they are told to watch the rose garden at USM," he continued. "When they see us spraying, pruning, or watering, they are told to do the same. So, in a way, the rose garden also serves as a model for rosarians."  In addition to having a model garden to follow, Hattiesburg residents also benefit from the garden's appeal as a natural attraction. "The rose garden at USM grows more beautiful every year," said Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny DuPree. "The university puts a lot of time and expertise into making it a masterpiece for all passersby. Having a visually beautiful city is very important. People say it's what's on the inside that counts. That is true, but only after people decide they want to stay long enough to find out what Hattiesburg is about. They won't do that if they are not visually drawn to our city first."  IDEAS FOR THE ROSE GARDENER  BY PATTY ROPER  PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG CAMPBELL  CARE AND CONDITIONING OF CUT ROSES  It is best to cut roses the first thing in the morning, when their water content is the highest. Cut the stem at an angle with a sharp pair of scissors or cutters just above the leaf node. Place them immediately in a bucket of water. If buying flowers, get them into tepid water as soon as possible for at least a couple of hours or longer. Before arranging roses, always recut the stems with a diagonal cut and remove all leaves that fall below the water level. Use clean vases and a commercially formulated flower food to inhibit bacteria and to feed the plant. You will not need to change the water with a flower food, but top off your vase each day with fresh water.  DRYING ROSES  Three methods for drying roses are air-drying, microwave drying, and silica gel or fine sand drying. Air-drying is the most common method. It is the best way to dry rosebuds that are just about to open but still retain their shape. Simply hang the roses from their stems on a string in a warm, dry, and dark place with good ventilation for a couple of weeks. Microwave drying is suitable for short stem roses. Lay the flowers on a paper towel and put in the microwave on the lowest setting. Microwave on the lowest setting 1 minute at a time. Check to make sure you do not over dry. For silica gel (available at craft stores) or fine sand, put a layer about 1/2 to 1 inch deep on the bottom of an airtight container and lay roses on crystals or sand making sure that they do not touch. Cover with silica gel or sand completely and tightly seal the container. Keep at room temperature for about 7 to 10 days before removing the gel or sand.  POTPOURRI  To make potpourri you will need lots of dried petals and leaves. To dry leaves and petals, place freshly picked rose petals and leaves separately on absorbent paper in a cool place with good airflow. Petals must be totally dry to make potpourri.   ROSE AND DELPHINIUM POTPOURRI   9 ounces dried scented rose petals 3 1/2 ounces dried delphinium flowers and marigold petals large jar with screw top 1 tablespoon dried mint leaves 1 teaspoon ground cloves 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 tablespoon ground orris root (available at craft stores) 8 drops rose essential oil or rose geranium oil (available at craft stores) Mix petals and flowers in jar. Add other ingredients one at a time and shake well between each addition. Screw on lid and leave 2 or 3 days in a dark place.   CITRUS AND ROSE POTPOURRI   9 ounces dried scented rose petals 3 1/2 ounces dried lavender airtight container dried grated peel of 2 large lemons 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon orris root Mix flowers and herbs and dried lemon peel together in an airtight container. Leave for 2 to 3 days. Add spices and orris root, shake well, and leave for a week, stirring occasionally.  POTPOURRI MEMORY JAR  Find a beautiful old jar or vase and give it to a friend or loved one with a special flower inside and instructions for a memory jar. It makes a great gift for a teenage girl to store her memories. Add any special flower from a special person, event, or memory to your jar after it is dried. Add a few drops of your favorite oil and enjoy special potpourri. Teenage girls may want to save all corsages and flowers and throw as potpourri on their wedding day.   ROSE GATHERING CONTAINER  (pictured at left)   3 large juice cans (pineapple juice cans are a good size) plastic coated bicycle hook metallic paint (I used bright gloss yellow to match the plastic- coated bicycle hook) gold marking pen 5/8-inch wooden dowel cut to 23 inches long 3 wood screws electric drill screw driver Liquid Nails gule Cut dowel to desired length. Paint dowel and three large cans inside and out with desired color. Paint three coats. Edge tops and bottoms of cans with gold marking pen. Drill a small hole in each can, the first 1/2 inch from top, the second 3/4 inch from the top, and the third 1 inch from the top. Screw each can to the dowel making sure they are all level on the bottom. Glue the length of each can to the dowel with Liquid Nails glue. Drill a hole into the top of the dowel and screw the bicycle hook into the top for a handle. Fill each can with about an <object width="400" height="241"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/sFRXJmmWa2g&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/sFRXJmmWa2g&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="241"></embed></object> inch or two of water and head for your rose garden.   ROSEBUD SPHERE   Styrofoam ball tiny dried rosebuds hot glue gun and glue sticks Glue roses to Styrofoam ball side by side until entire ball is covered.   7 ounces highly scented dried rose petals 1 1/4 pounds fine quality tea Mix together and store in an airtight container.  ROSE-SCENTED SUGAR  May be used to sweeten tea, coffee, cream, or sauces. It can also be used for baking, perhaps in your favorite sugar cookie recipe.  5 cups highly scented dried rose petals  1 cup super fine sugar  Grind rose petals in food processor to coarse sand consistency. Combine with sugar and store in airtight container.   ROSE PETAL SANDWICHES   1 cup butter 5 dark pink or red scented roses 1 loaf thinly sliced white bread Wrap butter covered in rose petals in muslin cloth and refrigerate overnight. Remove petals from butter and spread on bread cut into heart shapes. Place fresh rose petals in each sandwich and sprinkle petals on plate of sandwiches.   CRYSTALLIZED ROSE PETALS  (pictured on page 76)   fresh roses egg whites, slightly beaten super fine sugar paintbrush wire rack tissue paper Brush each petal with beaten egg white. Sprinkle with sugar. Allow flowers to dry on wire rack. Store for a few days on tissue paper in dry place.  RELATED ARTICLE: A FEW ROSE TIPS  Growing healthy, beautiful roses is an achievable goal, even for an amateur gardener. Sid Krhut, USM's landscape superintendent, offers the following tips for starting a rose garden.  * Buy quality roses from a trusted nursery. Make sure the roses look healthy, the canes are not brown or dry, and the foliage is not diseased.  * Pick a good location. Make sure the roses will be in a full-sun area, and plant the roses away from trees to keep tree roots from posing a problem.  * Use good soil, and consider using a sand-based soil. Make sure the soil is well drained as roses will not grow in low, wet situations. The easiest way to ensure proper drainage is to elevate the beds.  * Keep roses on a pest management program, whether for insects or diseases. Spray once a week for most of the year and, if conditions are dry and hot, spray once every two or three weeks. Most pesticides are specifically labeled, but consult your local nursery or county agent's office for assistance.  * Roses require a lot of food when blooming, and during that time, Grounds Maintenance feeds the USM Rose Garden once a month. Toward the end of the growing season, roses are given extra fertilizer to help them last throughout the winter.  Local rose expert Miriam Ethridge adds:  * Roses need approximately five to six hours of sun per day. Old garden roses can tolerate less.  * There should be good ventilation to help prevent disease.  * Plant in holes twice the size of the root mass. Mulch after planting.  * Roses need one inch of water per week.  * Pruning is essential to keep roses properly shaped. It also encourages new growth and flowering.  <a href='http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Roses101.-a087413504'>http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Roses101.-a087413504</a>[[/html]] - Comments: 0

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