The rose

Tracy and Keith Green and their son, Seth.

Roses are one of the most popular garden flowers because they can be used for landscaping or cut arrangements. 2002 has been declared the "Year of the Rose." The first "modern" rose was a hybrid tea rose bred by Jean-Baptiste Guillot in 1867. MEANING OF COLORS

Red: respect and love

Light pink: admiration and sympathy

Yellow: joy and gladness

Orange: enthusiasm

White: innocence

Red and yellow blend: joviality

Yellow with red edges: falling in loveSELECTION AND PLANTING

Many types of roses are available for planting: Hybrid tea, floribunda and grandiflora are the most common for this area. They require a pest-control program and snipping dead blossoms during the growing season to maintain beauty.ROSES GROW BEST

In full sunlight or six hours of bright sunlight.

In soil that is well drained or in a raised bed.

Without nearby weeds. Grasses deprive the rose root from thriving. CARE AFTER PLANTING

The soil around the roots of a rose bush needs to be damp but not saturated with standing water. Water should be applied slowly to ensure that it penetrates the soil. Mulch at least 2 to 3 inches deep is necessary. Mulch should be kept away from the base of the plant.

Established roses need fertilizing. Pruning for winter usually means cutting the branches that catch wind. Harsher pruning should be done in spring. The type of rose planted determines how much pruning it needs.

SOURCE: Council of Garden Clubs