Millions will receive flowers for Valentine's Day. In fact, roses are the #1 choice when selecting Valentine's Day flowers.  Many are choosing roses, but in non-traditional ways. The romance and allure of garden roses has created a great demand for these types of blooms as cut flowers and we are seeing many people making these selections over the  typical dozen long stemmed red roses.  Whichever type of flowers you send this year, there are a few simple tips and tricks for keeping those blooms fresh well after the big day. 


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Here are my tips for keeping those Valentine’s Day blooms fresh:

If they arrive in a box or wrapped in cellophane, remove them immediately and prepare them for a vase as follows:

• Fill your container with equal parts water and lemon-lime soda.
• Add a penny. (copper is a natural anti bacterial agent)
• Cut the end of the stems of each of the flowers and foliage you receive. The roses don’t care whether you cut straight across or on a slant. Just cut them. This cut allows the stems to be hydrated.
• As soon as you cut them plunge the stems into the mixture of water & soda. 
• Arrange as necessary.

Repeat this step every 2 days. As the stems become shorter and some of the blooms begin to fade, divide and move them to smaller containers. As the additional filler foliage fades, I add some from my garden. Rosemary, boxwood and others make great fillers and will give your blooms a new look.
Most people find that by following these simple steps, you can extend the life of your blooms up to 14 days.

​Happy New Year! On this first day of 2017 I am excited about a new year of growth. Last year, I was honored to represent the American Rose Society at the Garden Writers Association (GWA) Conference in Atlanta. The National Garden Bureau had a big announcement to make and they requested someone from the world of roses be present and I was excited to attend this event on behalf of our national organization.

Each year the National Garden Bureau selects an annual, perennial, a bulb and an edible for its "Year of" program. These plants are selected for adaptability, being easy to grow and a number of other factors. As you may have guessed, 2017 will be the Year of the Rose!

So, what does that mean to gardeners? Well, in my mind its sort of a challenge and begs a few questions: Could You? Would You? Grow A Rose?  What's keeping you from adding roses? How Can I Help You? 

If you don't currently grow roses, plant one. Give them a try. Today's varieties are more resilient and disease resistant than ever.  I'm always glad to help you select the perfect rose for you particular garden. Just leave a comment below.

If you are already growing roses, plant a few more. Better yet, help someone you know plant some. After all, everyone knows someone who needs a rose, right? If you grow roses and your really good at it, teach a class at a local nursery. Talk about your roses. Share your blooms. It will enrich the recipient almost as much as it does you. 

I can't wait to try some of the new varieties coming out this year, but I am also on the hunt for a few Old Garden varieties to add to my collection. We are as the old folks say "slap out of room" in this garden. If I add a new rose, I must now remove one. That makes me a bit sad. So, we are on the hunt for property.  Stay tuned on that note. 

So many people make resolutions each year. I didn't make any this year. I did resolve on a few things that I'm going to try to avoid: 

I believe 2017 will be a pivotal year for many. Make plans now to make it the best it can be.