Plant Gardens 101

There are around 33,000 known species and over 200,000 hybrids of orchids on this planet. Named after the Greek word ‘orchis’, orchids originated in the tropical and the semi-tropical regions of Asia, South and Central America and the U.K. These beautiful flowers can easily last up to 2 or 3 weeks cut, and well over a month on the plant, making it one of the most preferred plants for decoration and therefore grown across the globe.

Not all orchids are breathtakingly beautiful. Some are strange in shape and size, and some are even ugly. The seeds from this plant are the smallest among all flowering plants, yet there are some species of orchids which can grow up to 20 meters long. This amazing flower is grown both at home and at large scale for commercial use. Even though these come in all shapes and sizes, blue orchids are conspicuous by their absence. (more…)

The concept of using “flower language” has come a long way. Flowers, especially roses can be used to express any sentiment without having to use words. Flowers are an effective channel to correspond sentiments, which if expressed otherwise may be inappropriate. Use of black roses has always been minimal. This is attributed to the fact that in most cases it symbolizes death, hatred and farewell as they are mostly used at funerals.

Numerous radical and rebel groups have accepted the black rose as a symbol of insurgence and force. In the same way this gloomy beauty is not always representative of grief and sorrow. The Irish have used the phrase “the Little Black rose” throughout their encounters with the British. Numerous radical and rebel groups have accepted the black rose as a symbol of insurgence and force. Therefore, the black rose also signifies courage and resistance. (more…)

William Shakespeare penned the words, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose/By any other name would smell as sweet.”

From the days of Romeo and Juliet to modern times, a red rose has been synonymous with love. Today, roses are popular all around the world. However, in its initial stages, roses grew abundantly only in Central Asia. The Persians and Egyptians, who later developed a cultivated variety, discovered the wild roses.

A red rose held in a person’s hand is figurative to socialism and social democracy by the United Kingdom Labor Party. Later, several other European and South American socialist parties also accepted this icon. In Greek and Polish languages the word rose itself denotes the color red.

There are a number of famous red rose varieties. These include Lancaster’s red rose, which is perhaps the first cultured rose variety and the hybrid tea rose, called ‘Mister Lincoln’. Red roses are a frequent selection for romantic dates and valentine day bouquets. If a person wishes to gift a unique item, a red rose plant in itself is distinct. (more…)

Time and again it has been proved that roses can be grown effectively in gardens in almost every climatic and environmental condition. One may nurture a garden in an assortment of colors and various indigenous and hybrid varieties. Creating a rose garden is at times a difficult exercise but people do not have to be specialists to grow roses.

While selecting roses, there are three popular and distinct varieties that one might select from. In case a garden plot is small, people may opt for the miniature rose types. These can be grown in flowerpots or on the ground. A garden may comprise of rose bushes. These are characteristic as they grow their flowers for the most part at the top of the plant. These sizes may range from a few inches to about 6 feet. A garden enthusiast may also select the climbing roses variety, which can be directed around pillars or even climb the walls of a house.

It is important to prepare a garden bed well in advance of planting. This allows garden soil to settle. An important aspect of rose gardening is pruning. This process helps in removing dead parts of a plant and initiates new plant growth. Pruning helps the plant grow in an outward facing trend, which gives roses the accurate quantity of circulating air to help it bloom. (more…)

Since time immemorial, roses have been featured in ancient art, poetry and traditions as symbols of love, passion and beauty. Some civilizations used them for medicinal purposes. The rose plant has also been consumed in salads and used for preservation purposes. It was considered sacred to Aphrodite and ancient Romans favored the flower.

‘Rose’ is a common name given to several constituents of the Rosaceae, a great family of herbs, shrubs and trees widely scattered over most of the earth. This name also refers to plants of the genus Rosa, the true roses. The Rose family is found in abundance in East Asia, Europe and North America, where almost half the varieties of roses are natives. Amongst the old varieties are the cabbage rose and the damask rose, which are native to the Caucasus region.

Although the rose flower is renowned for its beauty, it is characterized by the presence of thorns throughout its stem. Roses have different characteristics depending on the region they grow in. Variations may depend on the number of blossoms a year, size, smell and color that may range from white and yellow to innumerous different shades of pink and red. (more…)

One of the most beautiful flowers, the orchid has survived all these years in a natural, harsh environment. They are found merrily swinging on top of the trees and on the slopes of green mountains. They thrive in the lap of nature, doing fine without the care of overzealous plant growers. Studies show that a number of orchids perish due to overwatering, low light and use of bad quality fertilizers. Adequate lighting is a must for a thriving orchid plant. (more…)

Growing orchids is a beautiful task. You may want to grow this royal family of plants either at home or commercially, but a lot of care and perseverance is required to produce a healthy, full-bloom exotic variety. You have thousands of different orchids to choose from, each requiring delicate nurturing and a specific environment.

Scientifically, orchids require a temperature zone similar to the condition of the place where they originated. There are varieties which thrive in high temperatures, and at the same time there are some that would wilt if the temperature rises above 60 degrees. Hybrids will adapt more to the new environment, as compared to the purebred plants.

Orchids growing in pots will break down the medium in one or two years. Repotting is recommended, which should be done by removing the plant carefully without breaking the roots. Orchids that fail to bloom are the ones who develop poor root systems, are subjected to frequent over watering, don’t have temperature variation or are exposed to insufficient light. (more…)