For many of us, the act of gardening brings us closer to nature
by getting us outdoors and allowing us the opportunity to tend
and grow objects that in the absence of our assistance would not
be able to survive, let alone thrive. There is a special
connection between the growers of roses and their plants,
however, which seems to go even beyond the basic instincts of
the traditional gardener.
The first reason that roses can be such an addictive plant is
the roots it has in our culture in the form of myth and
symbolism. The same reason we are addicted to rose gardening is
the same reason we are willing to pay a ridiculous amount for a
single flower or bunch on Valentine’s Day- nothing in our
society communicates more than the rose. This cultural
phenomenon has been a part of western heritage for longer than
anyone can trace.
The rose was considered a flower of romance in
ancient China, where it was first developed, and was used
throughout the Roman Empire. British history is full of roses in
every context- the theater where Shakespeare’s plays were put on
was known as the rose, and some of the most distinguishing
events in British history occurred during the long “War of the
Roses”. Roses were not actually introduced to Europe in the
cultivated style until the late 1700s, when they arrived from
China.
Perhaps some of the addiction we have in
cultivating roses stems in part from the same areas that our
ancient forebears found so appealing. Many roses have a very
distinctive scent, and the shape of the rose is certainly unique
enough in itself to warrant extensive cultivation and appeal.
Roses can also be found in many different colors and varieties,
and there is symbolism attached to every colour that roses can
be found in- red, of course, symbolizes love, but did you know
that pink roses carry a message of gratitude, while yellow
represent joy?
Roses also represent a singular species
which can manifest itself in a variety of styles, and therefore
a rose gardener really needs only to focus on rose types to
bring all the variety to the appearance of her lawn and garden
that could be wished for. Roses can be planted in the miniature
style, as bushes, and as climbers.
As has been noted above,
roses are also available in several different colors which will
add to the overall diversity in appearance of your garden. Roses
are also available in petals of many different sizes to further
add diversity to your landscaping. Species roses grow hips that
are colorful and last well into the winter, and can add a
further sprinkle of uniqueness to your landscaping by attracting
birds throughout the winter months.
Lastly, roses require
as little or as much attention as the gardener wants to put in.
Pruned bushes look ideal, but roses are also beautiful when
allowed to grow freely. Roses also tend to be very hardy and
resistant to diseases. The soil composition needs not have too
many considerations, and the ground cover is totally up to the
gardener.
Growing roses can be an addicting experience because of their
history, their beauty, their variety, and their maintenance.
Once a person dedicates their garden space to the cultivation of
roses, the possibilities are limitless.
About the Author:
Chester Smith maintains a website for enthusiasts of
rose gardening.
