If you've got the desire to plant a rose garden this year, before you go out to buy a hoe, before you get a shovel, even before you purchase any seeds, you will need to look into which climate zone your hometown is. Because, knowing that there is sun shining outside and spraying Miracle Grow is not enough to get a great garden. You've got to know which plants can grow in your area. And it's more than water and dirt that counts.



Gardeners and botanists all agree that the best source of information about what will or will not survive in your location is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The map is made up of eleven climate zones, which span all the 50 contiguous states, Canada, and Mexico. It tells you what the average lowest temperature in any given zone, which determines which plants will survive the winters there. Avocados, for instance, will not grow in Minnesota.

When you go to the nursery to purchase seeds for your garden, or to buy potted plants, there will be a guide to tell you what sort of conditions are necessary for each particular plant. If you buy a plant that has not adapted to living in your climate zone, it will not thrive, and most likely, it will die.

Now, On To Roses!

Now that we've got that out of the way, it's time to move on to the rose garden. Contrary to popular belief, roses are not as fragile as they are believed. You do, of course, have to care for them, but it is far more important that you select a varietal that will grow in your climate zone. If you don't no matter how much care you give them, the roses will die. So choose a variety that can thrive in your location! If you live in a colder zone, choose a hardier rose. If you live in a warmer zone, choose a rose that will take full advantage of the climate.

After that, clip, prune, fight off the aphids, and watch your roses thrive! Roses are a great flower that many people want to grow in their yards and gardens. Unfortunately many people are afraid of getting roses because they seem like too much work. But the beautiful red rose is worth all the trouble it takes to keep them up. If you have never tried growing roses it is about time you gave it a try. The next time you are in the nursery or flower store pick up a rose bush and try out your green thumb, you might just surprise yourself.