Published: February 06, 2009 09:40 am      

Gardening is the purest of human pleasures

Jo Anne Boudreau, Democrat Columnist

The birthplace of the cultivated rose was in Northern Persia. They spread to Palestine and across Asia Minor and on to Greece. Greek colonists carried their favorite roses to Italy. Ancient horticulture writers advise deep digging of the soil for better cultivation of roses. It was a practice to dig a ditch round rose bushes and pour warm water into the ditch just as the rosebuds formed. The Romans made lavish use of rose blossoms. Large bouquets of roses adorned their homes and meeting halls. Rose petals were strewn on floors, floated in baths and wines. Brides and bridegrooms were crowned with roses. Roses were scattered at feasts and in the paths of chariot-wheels, or adorned on the prows of war-vessels. They even wore garlands of roses at their feasts, believing it prevented drunkenness. You could smell Roman soldiers before you saw them because their hair was slathered in rose oil believing it would protect them during battle.

There are more than 10,000 roses in cultivation today. The petals of the dark red rose known as the Provins Rose are used medicinally and for making confections. Old herbalists considered the red rose to be more medicinal than any of the other species. While some herbalists list many uses for the white and red and damask roses. They are said to be strengthening to the heart, the stomach, the liver, and good against all kinds of illnesses. They prevent vomiting, stop tickling coughs, and get rid of the flu. Recent research shows that no virus, bacteria or fungus can live in pure rose oil. Pure rose water, made from the distillation of oil of Roses is used as a carrier of other medicines and as an eye lotion. It is soothing and cooling to chapped and burned skin. Many ladies attribute their beautiful complexions to rose water. I add a teaspoon of rose water to my breakfast smoothie. Rose water can help emotional strength, relax us, improve love life, empower the spirit, soothe the mind and remove stress.

Red rose water is well known as a cooling, refreshing, and uplifting of the spirits used either in drinks, desserts, broths, and meats. Simply smell the sweet scent of rose oil or rub some on the forehead and temples to cool hot inflamed headaches. Dab scratches, sores and bruises with rose oil to prevent infection and speed healing. Rose leaves and mint made into a poultice and applied to the stomach, strengthens a weak stomach, liver, heart and cools hot tempers. This poultice is very good for headaches, pains in the eyes, ears, throat and gums. Wet paper towels with rose water and put in zip lock baggie to carry along to use as disinfectant handy wipes.

Rosarians plant roses in groups of three to five bushes for a better show of blossoms. Choose a spot that gets at least six hour of sun a day. Deep dig the area being planted. Soak bare root rose bushes overnight in a bucket of water that has 3 tablespoons of liquid sea weed added. Set the bush in the hole and backfill with the native soil mixed with mushroom compost. Water well to settle any air pockets around the roots. Spread alfalfa hay around the newly planted rose bush and top with cedar mulch. The alfalfa hay is a secret of Rosarians for growing spectacular rose bushes covered with brilliant blossoms. Cedar mulch will help keep away damaging insects. Replenish the alfalfa hay and cedar mulch every six months. I sprinkle a cup of Epsom Salts and give my rose bushes a good drink of manure tea once a month. To make manure tea: Put a shovelful of donkey, poultry, goat or cow manure in a bucket of water. Fill the bucket with water and let sit in the sun for a week. Stir and pour a cup of the tea around each rose bush. Roses are hungry, thirsty plants that need extra care during the heat of summer. Poke banana peals and crushed egg shells under the mulch to give the rose bushes the calcium and potassium they love.



Listen to Jo Anne Boudreau on Herb Talk Thursday morning from 8 to 9 on KMQX 88.5, 89.5, K2459 97.7, K72AZ 93.3, KSQX 89.1 FM radio and www.KYQX.com