The English Garden Rose Is Perfect For Any Garden

The English garden rose is famous for its beauty and elegance. It is renowned throughout the world and is thought of as the classic flower of the English garden. There are around sixty varieties of this rose. In fact, there are probably very few gardens in England that do not have some variety of these plants.

David Austin, a Shropshire rose breeder in England, developed this class of rose. He started experimenting with the "Old Garden Roses", the classic roses and the newer hybrid shrubs. He came up with different varieties that grow well in different climates; in fact, each different type is good for a certain climate. These roses do require more maintenance than the hybrid ones but have a beautiful strong perfume that cannot be achieved from modern breeds.

The blooms on these roses are quite large, which makes them excellent for cut flower arrangements. They will also add beauty and color to your garden. You can line pathways with them or just place them in strategic positions to add color to any corner of the garden. They are good to plant near your deck or patio as their scent will add to your visitors' enjoyment or help you to relax.

The original pure breeds will usually bloom just once a year. In order to prolong the growing season they have been crossed with Asian hybrids, and the newer types will bloom all season until the first frost. Deadheading will encourage them to bloom more profusely.

There are also miniature versions of English garden roses. They have been crossed with Asian hybrid roses so that instead of blooming just once they will continue to bloom throughout the season. These small plants range from six inches to three feet. Because of their smaller size, they are ideal as houseplants but will also look good on your patio or deck. This variety is also good for container gardens.

Pruning is minimal for the English garden rose. They flower from two-year old canes, so when you prune them, you need only get rid of weak and spindly canes. Of course, you will also need to take out dead or damaged wood. Make sure you sterilize your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol before and after pruning and when you move to another plant. This will cut down the risk of disease.

Roses like the early morning sunlight but do require at least six hours of sunshine, so an east facing part of your garden will be best for optimum growth. This will give them the light they need but will protect them from the afternoon sun. Too much hot sun can damage most varieties of the English garden rose.

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Why Phalaenopsis and Cattleya Orchids Are Perfect for Weddings

Among the most popular flowers for weddings around the world are orchids. The selection of just the right flowers creates the moods and visual glamour every couple wants on their wedding day.

And two of the most sought after orchids for weddings are the Phalaenopsis (Phal) and Cattleya orchids.

Phalaenopsis Orchid, is commonly known as a Moth Orchid. This beautiful flower is the result of cross-pollination which has produced gorgeous hybrid orchids known to be one of the easiest orchids to cultivate as an indoor plant.

And the Phalaenopsis orchid offers flower colors of white and tints of white as well as other colors to fit almost anyone's choice for a wedding. When the Phal orchid is in bloom, a healthy plant will hold the blossoms for 2-3 months.

The Cattleyas orchid is another orchid frequently chosen for weddings because of it extraordinary colorful blooms and wide diversity of color choices. The petals of the Cattleyas orchid have the classic image of an orchid with beautiful unique blooms and petals that have the characteristic frilly edge. The Cattleyas orchid generally remains in bloom for 3-4 weeks depending on growing conditions.

When brides and grooms select orchids as a wedding flower they are often used in a variety of ways. The two most common places of use are for the wedding bouquet and table decorations.

Orchids are among the most widely selected wedding flower because they are known for not only their unique flowers and colors but also their fragrance. The classic white orchids are second to none as a perfect wedding flower.

In selecting wedding flowers, consideration must be given to possible allergies among the participants and guests that will in close proximity to fresh flowers on tables and bouquets.

Beyond the sheer beauty of the Phalaenopsis and Cattleyas orchids for weddings, they also express an inner and unique beauty that every marriage symbolizes. They also reflect the deep personal relationships of the newly wedded couple.

Finally, orchids are a perfect wedding flower because they are fundamentally hardy. Like any flower, they must be protected against chilly temperatures if the wedding is held in cold climates. And they can be damaged and potentially lose petals if they are not handled with reasonable care.

In spring and summer conditions, orchids do well and most importantly they can be purchased throughout the year depending on the particular orchid type you choose.

Every bride and groom seeks to create a wedding ceremony and reception that will never be forgotten. And choice of flowers for bouquets, table decorations and other reception sites is one of the most important choices to be made. Certainly the beauty, colors, symbolism and availability of orchids make them one of the best choices possible.

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