Watching the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day is a favorite activity of many families. The beautiful floats are adorned with roses and other natural materials. All types of natural and organic materials including roses, seeds, grasses, other flowers are used to decorate the floats. Roses are among the most popular flowers worldwide. Roses have been around for thousands of years dating back to the Song Dynasty (960 to 1279 AD). In modern history the Peace Rose has a place in commemorating the end of World War II. Roses continue to gain popularity and are used in many garden and landscaping designs.

Many have chosen growing roses as a hobby but beginners are not sure they can reap the rewards of growing roses. A little bit of rose gardening care know how is really all you need. The more you understand about the care and nurturing of roses the more successful you will be as a rose gardener. Sun, air and water are the essentials roses need.Your roses will also need some fertilizer along with tender loving rose garden care.

When choosing your rose bushes consider these things. You can choose them according to taste, preference, color, shape, and where you want them planted in your garden. Roses require at least six hours of unfiltered, direct sunlight each day. Even roses that are said to do well in the shade need direct sunlight for at least four to six hours. Roses should be planted with sufficient space between the bushes to allow air to circulate around the plant. Water is especially important, and should be applied to the roots early in the morning so you can avoid evaporation and winds. Good soil and organic matter are essentials that your roses need.

If your plants develop a problem with pests there are several things you can do. The solution to the bug problem is to choose disease- and insect-resistant plants. These plants won't require as much of your time or pesticides to keep them looking healthy. If you do find an infestation of insects, disease, or a weed problem to control, try an organic or natural solution. With the emphasis on "Going Green" you want to create a balance of organisms in your garden. This balance relies on using the least-toxic products that minimize harm to beneficial insects. If you do find pests, use the least-toxic method first--Barriers & Repellents, Beneficial Insects, Biological Pesticides, Soaps and Oils. Only use the more toxic Botanical or Natural Insecticides if necessary. Lady bugs and some types of wasps are beneficial as they eat pests that can damage rose bushes. Mulching is the best defense against weeds. Your local garden store will carry a selection of natural and organic products.

Prune your roses to remove all the dead wood and any broken canes. But when and how to prune depends on the type and variety of rose. Deadheading roses will encourage their continued blooming. If these blooms are allowed to fade and are not removed the rose will set seed and stop producing new flowering shoots.

As you can see these rules are easy to follow, but they really are the secrets for success in growing roses. Properly cared for roses can produce blooms from June until the beginning of frost. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned rosarian your garden is not complete without one or more varieties of roses. Growing beautiful roses will create a sense of accomplishment when you see them flourishing in your garden and gracing the inside of your home in a cut arrangement.