Lifestyle - Roses and Containers

It's that time of year when we Floridians should begin thinking about our gardens again (not that we ever really stop). It's the time of year when flowers are planted to ensure best root development before the heat of summer, the time of year when new palms should be transplanted for the least stress on the tree, and the time of year when planters should be filled to ensure growth and fullness before the first spring party is thrown outdoors.

As far as flowers go, the English Roses of David Austin are widely regarded as the best of the best--some having large, peony-like flowers and wonderful fruity scents. David Austin began as an amateur rose breeder more than fifty years ago, and now ships his roses, bare-root, around the world. For the locals reading this blog, David Austin lists Mabel Ringling Rose Gardens in Sarasota, Florida, among the 21 best gardens in the United States featuring his roses. Here are some of our favorites.

The Scepter'd Isle:

The Ingenious Mr. Fairchild:

and Harlow Carr:

-images via davidaustinroses.com

Roses shipped bare-root to Florida are typically shipped in February, earlier than other parts of the country, so get your orders in now. We'll provide a tutorial on proper planting soon.
As long as we're talking gardening, there's an epidemic in America of too many people buying too small and cheap of pots to make their gardens fulfilling. Don't get us wrong, plastic pots from the local home center can be very useful and can certainly save money, but no matter how good they are, they will not import a sense of beauty and timelessness to your garden. Moreover, if you put a little extra money and care into quality planters, you'll carry them through life to every home you ever own. Take a look at a few of our favorites: