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052: pinklifestyle a WORDS BY: DAWN EAGLE Roses are truly the Queen of Flowers and it is always disappointing to hear that, although people love roses, they won't grow them because of perceived difficulties. Yes, to produce a stunning winner at a rose show a lot of work and dedication is involved, but roses can be grown easily if a few things are borne in mind. Firstly, the choice of varieties is very important. It is easy to be carried away by a memorable name or a beautiful photograph in a garden centre, but this may not be the wisest choice. Visiting a local rose garden and seeing the roses which look good throughout the season will be more useful. Secondly, look beyond the flowers to the foliage. Roses with leaves which are dark green and glossy will need little or no spraying because they are the nearest to disease free. Most rose growers now prefer to grow plants which need very little spraying, making the rose garden healthier and safer for o the gardener as well as the planet. If the right varieties are chosen there will be no need to spray at all during the season, especially if you are willing to accept a little insect damage or a few black spots on the leaves in the autumn. A handful of general purpose fertiliser and an occasional deep watering if there is no rain will keep the roses growing well, and all you have to do is stroll around the garden and enjoy them. Roses can make a spectacular garden bed on their own, perhaps bordered with annuals such as pansies, lobelia, or marigolds, but they also add a lot to the garden when grown in the middle of shrubs, perennials or annuals. Some of the older varieties make spectacular billowing mounds of flowers in the spring and as other plants come into bloom it doesn't matter if they do not repeat flower. The newer miniature and patio climbers have thinner stems which make these plants easier to keep in order and they will reward you with hundreds of flowers. Roses grow well in containers. Large dn flowered roses need to be grown in large containers, but miniature and patio roses will grow well in bucket sized containers for years, and are easily maintained because they can be lifted up when they need weeding, feeding or trimming. They can be shifted out into the public areas of a garden when in full bloom, making an instant impact. Some varieties which grow very well all over the country are – Paddy Stephens - a glowing coral orange, and Nelson Girls – Pastel apricot, are both Hybrid Teas. Dear One (Pale pink) and White Romance (White) (floribundas) are very easily grown and will reward you with numerous flowers. Kaikoura, (Orange), Beehive Gold (Bright Yellow) and Irresistible (White), all miniature/ patio roses, will also grow well with very little attention. Now is the time to plant – so try one or two and you will be amply rewarded. I n pr c o o se u m s r i e e y a g r a