ROSE GARDENS

THE ROMANCE OF A ROSE GARDEN

                                                               By Maxina Williams

There is nothing like the romance of a rose garden to lift the soul. The sheer exhilaration of walking into a garden full of roses in full bloom or to experience the musky fragrance of  wall to wall roses in an enchanting courtyard is second to none.

Roses and romance go hand in hand together and many a first date gets off to an excellent start with a fragrant bunch of red rose buds for the little lady. St Valentine’s Day just wouldn’t be the same without the essential bunch of long-stemmed red roses.
Roses can also be a great peacemaker and can often say what words cannot after a lovers’ tiff. More songs have been written about roses that any other flower.

There is fossilised evidence of roses dating back 35 million years and it is believed that the cultivation of roses began about 5,000 years ago in Asia. Wreaths containing roses have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs. Rose petals featured prominently in many a Roman orgy and the emperors were fond of filling their baths and fountains with rose water.

On a more sombre note, in a series of conflicts in 15th century England extending over 30 years, the white rose represented one side of the conflict and the red rose represented the other, hence the name “Wars of the Roses”.

Roses are the best loved garden plants and are now in bloom everywhere. Even in the coolest districts the colour and size of the blooms can be breathtaking. Currently, there are over 30,000 varieties of roses and you can create a fragrant floating sea of roses by carefully selecting your rose colours to blend together in a floral tapestry. They are a very versatile plant in that you don’t have to grow them only in the garden, certain varieties are just as happy in a pot on your porch or patio.

Rose leaves are a good substitute for tea, the hips can be made into a delicious jelly or syrup, while the petals are useful as both a medicine and a cosmetic. Essential oil of rose is both soothing and an antiseptic; aromatherapists use it as a sedative and antidepressant.

There is really nothing more rewarding for the home gardener than growing your very own beautiful roses.


Maxina Williams loves anything to do with gardening and outdoor living.
Article source:gardenswings-n-things.blogspot.com

GARDEN GNOMES

We found th

is  interesting little article on the history of garden gnomes.

Garden Gnomes For Sale

By Tony P Poulter

So said the sign I passed on my way to a business meeting. For some reason, when I got home, I decided to read about garden gnomes and found there was a fascinating history!

Early in the 19th century the first garden gnomes appeared, in Germany. In around 1840, the idea spread to England. Having a gnome on the garden was generally thought to bring good luck, as well as a bountiful harvest.

Apparently Sir Charles Isham, the 10th Baronet of Lamport Hall, brought around 20 garden gnomes from Germany - the first to arrive in England. He proudly set them up in the rockery in his garden. Unfortunately only one remains - "Lampy" - and it's a sad sign of the times that he has to be insured against theft - for a million pounds.

The original statues were hand crafted from terracotta, which remained the material of choice right up until the 1960s. These clay garden gnomes were often cherished, collectible ornaments that stayed in the family and were passed down through the generations.

Philip Griebel and August Heissner started mass producing garden gnomes in around 1872. Within a short time Heissner Gnomes became famous around the world. Far from the tacky image of today's gnomes, these were considered to be works of art which brought luck to the owners.

A huge amount of work was often put into these early statues and some of them were quite big - as much as a meter tall. Although made for the garden, they were meticulously crafted. Having said that, many of the more beautiful examples ended up in the homes of wealthy people, as house ornaments (although I rather think that the gnomes preferred to be where they belonged - in the garden).

Gnomes actually go back a looooooooooooong way - hundreds of years ago they were generally portrayed as short, very old men with wrinkles and white beards, wearing red conical hats and brown trousers.

Early gnomes were somewhat serious fellows, and remained so right up until Walt Disneys Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs gave us a glimpse of what was to come.

Ironically the new versions only had a run of a couple of years, since World War II came along and stopped production in all of Europe.

It wasn't until the 60's that the advent of cheap plastics kick-started mass production again. and millions of brightly colored gnomes started invading gardens again.

Today, there are few remaining ceramic gnome manufacturers, with most being made from plastic in Eastern Europe and the Far East.

 Modern suburban gardeners seem to like gnome statues. They think (and I agree) that they make for interesting, humorous gardens!

Problem is, many gnomes are stolen (or "liberated"), which is a shame. Maybe because of the recession they turn up on Ebay?!

So, Love em or hate em, garden gnomes have been around for about 150 years and they look like theyre going to be around for another 150.

Last points:

*Gnomes are banned from the Chelsea Flower Show because the organizers claim they detract from garden designs.

*Garden gnomes have been banned from cemeteries by the Diocese of Bath and Wells (in England " where else?) because leaders say they are "unnatural creatures". Along with plastic flowers and other decorations such as teddy bears, they have been called "inappropriate and tacky!

*In France there is even a French Liberation Front of Garden Gnomes

*sigh*

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_P_Poulter

Rose Tree Garden

Garden Swings

 Here is the article we would like you to read.. We loved it...

   Garden Swings

           By Simon Douglass

Garden swings are a type of outdoor furniture that can come in very useful. All ages love the feeling of swinging, and a garden swing is the perfect swing for the outdoors of your home. These types of swings are great for any time of the year. They are relaxing to sit in and swing back and forth and can cool you off on hot summer days. They can help you to beat the summer heat when it gets to be too much. Garden swings can help you to enjoy the outdoors even more. Some garden swings have covered tops over them to help you to stay out of the sun and weather while you are swinging. People use these swings all year round. While you are swinging you can enjoy the scenery and nature all around you. A garden swing can be decorative sitting in your yard. When company comes over to your house a garden swing is the perfect seat for your guests.

A garden swing is a good place for extra seating and conversing with your friends and family. They work great for outdoor events when you have many people over. Both children and adults love garden swings. They can be soothing and relaxing while you are swinging back and forth. Garden swings are made from materials such as wood and metal. They are constructed well and are made to be out in the weather. Garden swings can hold a couple of people comfortable. But depending on the size you choose they may hold up to four people comfortably. You can have garden swings specially made to hold even more people if needed.  Sometimes people buy more then one garden swing because they are a popular type of outdoor seating. Some people like swinging in them by themselves to spread out and have more room. Others like using them to swing with their children or grandchildren. Garden swings can be a lot of fun for everyone.

Garden swings come in a wide range of styles and sizes to accommodate your needs. Some of the less expensive garden swings can be found for less then one hundred dollars. But larger swings may cost a lot more. They are durable and last for years when properly taken care of. You can purchase garden swings at your local home and garden center. They are also available online with a large selection of many styles and sizes. They come in a large variety of styles, so they look great as yard decor. You can place garden swings anywhere in your yard. They are nice to put on a porch, by your garden, on a patio, in the middle of your yard, under a shade tree or anywhere else that you need to fill in a bare space in your yard.

Garden swings are the perfect type of seating for your yard. If you are looking for a type of outdoor seating that everyone will love then you should consider purchasing a garden swing for your yard.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Douglass

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Garden Fountains

Thinking of a fountain for your garden? Have a read of this article.

Garden Fountains

By Anne Clarke


Gardens are a great way to create a private space all your own to enjoy. People spend a lot of time nurturing their garden, and find great satisfaction in it. Turning your garden into an outdoor living space takes the personality of your garden even further.

Adding a garden fountain is an easy way to improve your outdoor space without having to add a lot of time to your outdoor maintenance routine. Fountains come in almost any shape, size, material, or theme you can think of, so if there is something you have in mind that would really compliment your garden, you can probably find something at least similar to your vision.

No matter what size your garden is, you can find a fountain to fit. Large gardens can accommodate elaborate stand-alone fountains, along with just about any other kind of garden fountain you could want. If you just have a small garden, there are small fountains you can get that can be tucked away into many spaces. Fountains that sit in corners are popular if you don't have a whole lot of room. Wall-mounted fountains are also a great choice for small gardens. These don't take up any precious ground space, but still allow you to enjoy the benefits of a garden fountain.

If you have a specific look or theme you are pursuing in your garden, it shouldn't be difficult to find a garden fountain to match. There are many different materials that are used for fountains, including stone, wood, and glass. The most common fountain material is probably fiberglass though, because it is durable, cheap, and can be cast into any shape under the sun. Also, it can be made to look like stone, but is very light compared to real stone. A fountain that would cost thousands of dollars if made of stone and require a professional crew to install only costs a few hundred if made of fiberglass, can be taken home in the back of a truck, and installed by a couple people.

For a very impressive effect, real stone fountains can be bought. Keep in mind that these are expensive, and once installed will be very difficult to move. But nothing looks as good as real stone, so if you really want the full effect of a stone fountain, there is no substitute.

Fiberglass fountains can be heavy, but they are not impossible to move, so if you get a fountain and later decide you want it somewhere else, this can be achieved. Fiberglass doesn't look quite as good as some other materials, but if the fountain isn't the centerpiece of the garden, this may not matter.

Because there have been so many innovations in wood treatment and preservation, wood has become a popular option for garden fountains over the last few years. These wood fountains often add a rustic touch to your garden, or it can add a sense of warmth and hominess.

If you're seeking a modern look, there are interesting glass fountains available. These usually have a sheet of glass in a wood or metal frame, and water cascades over the glass. Often the glass has a design or pattern on it, and sometimes these fountains come with colored lights.

Metal is another option for garden fountains, and it can create a lot of different looks. Classic and modern looks can both be achieved with metal, and many sculptures are made with it as well.

Getting a garden fountain is a wonderful way to set off the personality of your outdoor space, and add a sense of relaxation to the air. Gathering by the fountain and enjoying the company of friends and family is an experience almost anyone can enjoy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke