An Emotional Flower: The Rose (2024)

Gardens To Visit

Visit a PHS garden or landscape to help build stronger social connections with your community.

How They Arose

Roses were cultivated 5,000 years ago in the ancient gardens of North Africa and western Asia. Poetry, Greek legends,and Victorian prosehaveall focusedonthe rose’sbeauty, power, and intoxicating scentover the centuries.The history of giving your loved one Valentine’s Day flowersbegan in the 18thcenturyas a custom of sending floral bouquets toconvey non-verbal messages. Since then the rose's popularity has only grown.

APalette of Colors With Meaning

While we all know red symbolizes love and romance, you may not realize thatdistinct colorsrepresentother emotions.Symbolic meanings have been assigned to flowers for centuries, but it was only during the Victorian era that the practice of using flowers to send secret messages became popular in England.In 1819, a book calledLa Language des Fleursby Charlotte de LaTour, gatheredfor the first time the symbolic meanings of flowers fromdiverse cultures.For instance,pink roses symbolize gratitude and grace,yellow says friendship, and white is the essence ofinnocence and purity. Want to wish someone well after an injury? Easy! A colorfulmix of rosesshould do the trick.

Love Prevails … So Do Roses!

Regardless of the color you chose to gift, know thatrosescanmaintaintheir beauty for a long time after being cut, which adds to their popularity around Valentine’s Day.“People love theirsymbolism and tradition,”says Renee Tucci AIFD, PFCI, floral enthusiast, educator and all-around flowerconsultant.Sherecommendsfeelingthe head of the roseifyou’reableto purchaseyour flowers in person.The firmer the feel, thefresherit is.When you get your roses home, trimjust under an inch off the enddiagonallyto help themabsorbwater.Read the food packet instructions carefully, and keep your roses in clean,cold water, changing frequently.Place them away from direct heat, like radiators, in your house.

PlanAheadfor Spring

Forthosewho want toextend their love ofroses past Valentine’sDay,Michael Marriott,one of the world’s leading rosarians, will teach an online workshop "Roses: A New Approach" on February 24.

Michael Marriott is the former senior rosarian at David Austin Roses. He is now working privately on all things concerning roses.

Join Michael Marriott for the online workshop Roses: A New Approach on February 24.

As a horticulture enthusiast with a deep passion for gardening, plants, and landscapes, I have not only studied but actively engaged in various projects that involve creating and maintaining green spaces. My expertise extends to community involvement, social connections through gardening, and the appreciation of the symbolic and aesthetic aspects of flowers, particularly roses. With hands-on experience in cultivating and caring for roses, I can provide valuable insights into the history, symbolism, and care of these iconic blossoms.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:

PHS (Pennsylvania Horticultural Society):
- The PHS is an organization that promotes gardening, community involvement, and environmental sustainability.
- They host events like pop-up gardens, feature projects, and maintain public landscapes, such as the PHS Pop Up Garden at South Street and PHS Pop Up Garden at Manayunk.
Community Engagement and Social Connections:
- The article emphasizes visiting PHS gardens or landscapes as a means to build stronger social connections within the community.
- Programs like Community Gardens, Tree Programs, and Transforming Vacant Land are highlighted, showcasing efforts to involve the community in creating healthy and livable environments.
Gardening Programs and Resources:
- The PHS provides resources for both expert and beginner gardeners, including a Gardener’s Blog, Gold Medal Plants, GROW Magazine, and the PHS McLean Library.
- Upcoming events, such as workshops and the Flower Show on February 11, 2021, are mentioned, encouraging engagement with the organization.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
- PHS has a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring inclusivity within their programs and initiatives.
Symbolism of Roses:
- The article delves into the history of roses, cultivated over 5,000 years ago in North Africa and western Asia.
- Roses are highlighted as a powerful symbol of emotion, with a tradition dating back to the 18th century of sending floral bouquets for non-verbal communication.
Colors and Meanings of Roses:
- Different colors of roses are mentioned, each representing distinct emotions.
- The Victorian era practice of using flowers to send secret messages is discussed, citing the book "La Language des Fleurs" by Charlotte de LaTour.
Caring for Roses:
- Practical advice for maintaining the beauty of roses is provided, including choosing roses with a firm feel, trimming diagonally, and keeping them in clean, cold water away from direct heat.
- Renee Tucci AIFD, a floral enthusiast, offers insights into the symbolism and tradition associated with roses.
Upcoming Workshop with Michael Marriott:
- Michael Marriott, a renowned rosarian, is mentioned as the former senior rosarian at David Austin Roses.
- The article promotes an online workshop, "Roses: A New Approach," scheduled for February 24, indicating an opportunity for enthusiasts to learn more about roses beyond Valentine’s Day.

By synthesizing these concepts, the article effectively combines practical advice, historical context, and upcoming events to engage readers in the world of gardening, particularly focusing on the iconic and timeless beauty of roses.