Express News GARDENING, Etc.
Sunday, November 2, 2003
By Lynn Rawe, County Extension Agent – Horticulture
Whoever said that good things come in small packages may likely have been talking about miniature roses. Miniature roses may be smaller than standard roses but certainly provide beautiful, fragrant and versatile forms, with flowers only an inch to two inches in diameter that give a delicate texture to this miniature version. This week’s article from the Bexar County Extension Office will provide you with the information that you need to include miniature roses in your landscape.
Miniature roses can provide a big bang in the landscape. Planted in containers, they can provide a marvelous focal point in the landscape. They can also provide wonderful accents as a border or as a mass planting for spectacular color in your garden.
The best thing about miniature roses is the carefree culture of this plant. Even though these plants are often sold in supermarkets and by florists, they are not indoor plants. Miniature roses generally need about six hours of sunlight. Miniature roses can tolerate more shade than hybrid roses in your garden.
Miniatures are tough plants, but should be protected when temperatures drop below 10oF. Mulch will protect the shallow root system of these plants.
A good “rose soil mix” from local soil and compost companies will provide a step up on the success ladder when growing roses. A custom mix of one-third compost, one-third topsoil and one-third sand can be used also. Miniature roses should have about 12 to 16 inches of soil for best performance. You can house your rose in a five gallon container for up to six years before needing to transplant.
Miniature roses make a great gift for the holidays. Keeping that in mind, come join us at the First Annual Bulbs and Blooms sale at this year’s Fall Garden Fair on Saturday, November 8 at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens.
The choices that will be on sale are Angela Rippon, Lavender Lace, Minnie Pearl, My Valentine, Orange Honey, Peaches n’ Cream, Rise n’ Shine, Royal Rudy and Sunmaid.
Orange Honey and Sunmaid are both orange/yellow blends. Orange is a faintly fragrant rose that is a repeat bloomer, growing to 18 to 24 inches. Sunmaid is a double bloomer that will bloom from spring until frost.
Lavender Lace is a beautiful lavender rose with glossy foliage, a double flower and a fragrant bloom. This plant received the Award for Excellence in 1975. This lovely flower makes a great cut flower.
Angela Rippon is a wonderful salmon blooming miniature rose that is fragrant and compact. This repeat bloomer would be a nice addition to any garden.
Rise n’ Shine is a crowd pleaser, winning the 1978 Award of Excellence. This is a medium yellow rose with a fruity fragrance. Holding it’s color well, this repeat bloomer has a bushy upright growth.
Peach n’ Cream has a deep green foliage with a peaches and cream color blend. This rose won the 1977 Award for Excellence. This is a vigorous growing rose with a slight fragrance.
The red roses are always a favorite. Check out My Valentine with its 65 petal count flower and glossy green foliage. Royal Ruby is red with a white base and is a repeat bloomer.
Looking for a pink rose? Minnie Pearl is a beauty with a fragrant, double flower. The Minnie Pearl is light pink with a dark reverse petal.
Take one of these little jewels home with you. Miniature roses are tough competitors and hold up well to the stress of San Antonio’s ever-changing weather.
Fall Garden Fair Brings Family Fun to the Botanical Garden
Is there a better way to spend a fall day than at the Fall Garden Fair at the San Antonio Botanical Gardens? This annual event is in its 11th year and will be held Saturday, November 8, from 9 am to 4 pm. This gardening and horticultural fair guarantees family fun for all ages. Complementing the fair are the seasonal displays in the formal gardens and the splendid fall foliage at the lake in the native area.
Gardeners will enjoy the exhibits and plant sales, especially this year’s first “Bulbs and Blooms,” featuring guest speakers, demonstrations, and a variety of bulbs and roses for purchase. All bulbs and rose selections are varieties well suited for San Antonio gardens. Participants can purchase bulb and rose-related books as well as gardening tools. Texas Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand to answer questions, and educational materials will be available.
Families always enjoy checking out the children’s vegetable competition. Ribbons will be awarded to young gardeners for the best fall vegetables, with entries from home gardens, classroom gardens, or community gardens accepted. Vegetables for the show will be accepted from 9 to 11 am, and the show will be open to the public from 12:30 to 2:00 pm.
- Other fun activities include:
Plant Swap (one gallon size and smaller only) – bring plants to trade!
Specialized plant material and garden items for sale
Living history area with dulcimer playing, quilting, spinning, adobe brick making, and more
Live reptiles exhibit
Farm animal petting zoo from two local Extension 4-H clubs
Cow-milking demonstration
Bug bingo, games, and craft activities, including corn husk dolls, harvest garlands, and scarecrow bookmarks
Live entertainers, including fandango flamenco and folkloric dancers, Alamotion Contemporary Dancers, and Our Part of Town Talent Competition singers and performers ( sponsored by San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department)
Food and drink vendors will sell family favorites, such as hot dogs, chicken and beef kabobs, roasted corn, baked potatoes, fruit, ice cream, snacks and soft drinks; all at very reasonable prices.
The cost of admission is the same as any day at the Garden: Adults $5; Children (age 3 to 13) $2; Senior Citizens (age 55 and older) $3; and Military & Students (with proper ID) $3. Group rates for groups of 15 or more available; the Garden only accepts cash. The raindate for the event is Saturday, November 15.
The Fall Garden Fair is sponsored by the Bexar County Master Gardeners, Texas Cooperative Extension, San Antonio Botanical Garden, San Antonio Botanical Society , and the City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. The San Antonio Botanical Garden is located at 555 Funston at North New Braunfels. For more information, telephone (210) 829-5100 or visit www.sabot.org. Or contact the Bexar County Master Gardeners at (210) 467-6575.
