Monday 28 February 2011

The Rose




"A rose is a rose is a rose."
Gertrude Stein



An Art Nouveau Poster avertising Roses




Roses are a perennial plant of the genus Rosa, within the family Rosaceae and have for a long time been given the honour of being one of the most popular and loved flowers in the world.  The reason for its popularity could be because of its wide range of variety - its colour, fragrance, size and its uses.
The rose forms part of a group of climbing or trailing plants that often have very sharp prickles.  The flowers are often large and come in a number of beautiful colours and are either  species, cultivars or hybrids.  There are over 100 species of the rose, which are available all year round and these can be divided into three sections, 'species' roses, 'old garden' roses and 'modern' roses.

'Species' roses are often called 'wild species' and usually have a simple 5 petaled flower which is  followed by colorful hips that last well into winter, providing food for birds and winter colour.  'Species roses' are often hybridized with other roses, the most popular species today being the Rosa Rugosa.  Most species are native to Asia but smaller numbers are native to North America, Northwest Africa and Europe and are usually grown for their scent and showy fruit.



Rosa Rugosa



'Old garden'roses are a diverse group, which includes roses such as 'China roses', 'Tea roses', 'Moss roses', 'Damask roses' and 'Bourbon roses'.  These have a delicate beauty and a fabulous perfume, which is often not found in modern hybrid roses.  'Old garden' roses are easy to grow, disease resistant, and hardy in the winter.  Colours do vary, but are usually pastel or light in colour.



Autumn Damask rose

Tea Roses



'Modern' roses are any rose identified after 1867.  The 'old garden' roses are the latter predecessors, the 'modern' rose being a result of cross breeding the hybrid with a variety of primrose called the Polyanthus.  They usually have a rich and vibrant colour, which makes them very popular. 



A modern rose, Hybrid tea rose. 
 Hot chocolate, Novelty winner, 2006
(Roses Uk)

'Absolutely fabulous'
Rose of the year 2010
(Hampton Court Palace, Tudor rose festival)
'Joie de vivre'
Rose of the year 2011.
(Hampton Court Place, Tudor rose festival)



Rose plants range in size, they are best known as ornamental plants grown for their flowers both in the garden or to brighten up interior spaces, they are also very popular as cut flowers, which are generally cut and harvested when in bud then refrigerated until ready for display.

Roses can also be used for their fragrance and perfume used in rose oil, rose water, cooking, medicines or cosmetics.

The rose hip, the fruit of the rose can be made into jam, jelly, marmalade or brewed for tea.  It has a high level of vitamin c so they are also used in food supplements, herbal remedies and medicines.

The Rose with all its properties and uses has long been used as a symbol of love and beauty as well as of war and politics.  The national flower of England is the rose and has been used as an English emblem since the war of the roses, between the Royal house of Lancaster, whose emblem was the red rose and the royal house of York whose was the white emblem.  Henry Tudor then created the Tudor Rose (the rose of England by cross breeding.)


Here are some interesting facts about roses!
The earliest rose fossils were found in Colorado dating back to more than 35 million years.
The birthplace of the cultivated rose was probably northern persia.
Roses were considered the most sacred flowers in ancient Egypt and were used as offerings for the goddess Isis.
While no black roses exist yet, there are deep red roses that suggest the colour of black.

The rose is a wonderful and beautiful flower and we are lucky to be able to enjoy them in so many different ways!



"I don't know whether nice people
 tend to grow roses or growing
 roses makes people nice." 

Roland A. Browne

"I'd rather have roses on my
 table than diamonds on my neck."
 
Emma Goldman




“ When love came first to earth, the Spring Spread rose-beds to receive him."
Thomas Campbell



"And I will make thee beds of roses
And a thousand fragrant posies."
Christopher Marlowe

Thursday 10 February 2011

Valentines Day has nearly arrived
and
Love is in full bloom!

Here are a few Valentines ideas for you 
from all at Elizabeth Marsh

 A classic bunch of beautiful red roses, elegance and style in its purest.

A candle, roses and other mixed flower, very romantic.

A pillow of roses, an exquisite valentines gift.

Please visit our website for more stylish valentines ideas and gifts.


Monday 7 February 2011

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE GIFT IDEA THIS VALENTINE’S DAY?

A celebration of romance.....

At Elizabeth Marsh floral design, we believe it is important to get it right on Valentine’s Day – especially as it only comes once a year.

 
 to see what ideas we have come up with for you just click on the link below....

P.S. Specially for you - if you or your friends write on the order form (at ‘notes to vendor section’) the words ‘My Valentine’ we will indulge you and your valentine by give you
  • a free bottle of nail varnish from ‘Nailgirls’ (first 100 orders only),
  • a voucher from ‘Nailgirls’ for a free upgrade on special manicures
  • a free box of chocolates with your order,
  • Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design voucher worth £10
We look forward to helping you celebrate your Valentine’s Day in a style!!
Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design

You will receive a code to claim your favourite shade on www.nailgirls.co.uk, and we will deliver it straight to your front door, absolutely free of charge.

*Limited to 1 per Bouquet purchase. Available to first 100 customers only. Proof of Bouquet purchase may be required. Valid from 27th January to 28th February 2011.

As a treat for Elizabeth Marsh customers, Nailgirls are offering a complimentary Deluxe upgrade valued at £10.00 when you book any signature Manipedi at the flagship Angel Salon.
*Offer is valid from 27th January 2011 – 13th February 2011. Not redeemable for cash, and can only be used in conjunction with signature manipedi.