Everyday Functions for Roses

Landscaping

• One of the most obvious uses for a rose bush is in a garden. Rose plants work well as a focal point in a landscaped bed or in a separate area devoted just to a mass of roses. Planting and caring for perennial rose plants is an investment in the beauty of your yard and home.

Hedgerows or Fences

• Roses need sunshine to produce strongly fragrant blossoms. Use a mass of rose plants to form a hedgerow to section off areas of your yard where there is plenty of sunlight. Another idea is to use rose bushes alone or with a fence along property lines. Rambling roses trained along a wooden fence add an attractive element to a yard.

Recipes

• Rose petal jelly was an old-fashioned treat that you can make today. The fragrance of the rose along with the subtle flavor yields a clear and delicate jelly. Only use roses that are grown organically without pesticides. Rose petals can also be used to make a tea, act as a garnish for salads or feature in a wide variety of cooked dishes, baked goods, desserts or syrups (see Resources). For a simple beauty recipe, add a handful of cleaned petals to two cups of water in a pot. Bring to a boil and then simmer for five to 10 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and use as a facial steam.

Potpourri

• Cut roses last a week or so and their petals drop. Garden roses might last a few days longer but they will eventually wilt. If you take the time to collect blossoms before they actually fall off the stems, you can save them for potpourri. All they need is a simple wash under a weak solution of dish soap and water to rinse off any aphids or earwigs. Dry them and place them in an attractive bowl so their fragrance fills the room.