Good Neighbor Gardener By Columnist Louis Martin Flowers for Valentine’s or Any Day
In Greece, as far back as 3,000 years ago, roses were being cultivated. A wild rose, Rosa canina, also called the dog rose, may be the parent of our present day cultivated rose. Believe it or not, a fossil of the dog rose believed to be about 35 million years old was found in Montana. And while red roses are the most popular flower on Valentine’s Day, florists say any flower as long as it's red or white is used for a Valentine's Day bouquet including roses, carnations, cyclamen, orchids, anthuriums, larkspur, and tulips. Everyone can agree that gifts of flowers should be made to last as long as possible. Especially those sent with the thoughts of loving remembrances. If the gift is cut flowers, place them in a container of water immediately. Recut the stems under the water. This does two things: exposes a fresh surface and prevents air bubbles entering the stem. Doing this helps in uptake of water. A little household bleach added controls bacteria and algae formation. Potted plants in plastic pots wrapped in colorful foil paper need early attention. The foil retains drain water and air (oxygen) can not filter into the root zone through the plastic. The roots will drown and/or be asphyxiated. The plant will die as a result. Repot the plant in an unglazed clay container with holes in the pot bottom for drainage. Often greenhouse soil potting mixes contain a minimum of nutrients, certainly not enough to maintain the plant very long. Periodically a fertilizer of low concentration of nitrogen and other essential chemicals must be applied to allow the plant to continue healthy growth and development. With TLC given on Valentine's Day the plant can be made to last for days, weeks and even years.
Dr. Louis Martin, regional columnist
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