The report explains that roses originally grew in Asia but can also be found in Africa, Europe and the United States, and that in 1986 they were named America’s national flower. It gives simple advice for planting roses: choose a sunny spot with at least six hours of light, and buy either potted (container) roses or bare‑root roses, which are lighter to transport. Bare‑root roses should be planted as soon as possible after they arrive, kept cool and moist, and watered in the morning so the soil stays damp but not soggy. Mulch such as bark or pine needles helps keep weeds down and moisture in, while a light spray of water can knock off insects that may attack the plants. Following these tips makes growing healthy roses much easier.
- bare-root
- Definition: roses sold without soil, having exposed roots that are lighter to transport
- Example: "Jeffrey Dinslage points out that bare‑root roses come without soil, so they weigh less to transport."
- mulch
- Definition: material placed around rose plants to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture
- Example: "In normal conditions, placing mulch around rose plants is a good idea."
- dormant
- Definition: the inactive state of rose plants when they have no leaves and are not growing
- Example: "You plant the roses while they are dormant."
- black spot
- Definition: a disease problem on rose leaves that can be prevented by watering in the morning
- Example: "Watering should be done in the morning. That can prevent problems called black spot and mildew."
- aphids
- Definition: small insects that can invade rose bushes and may be removed by a strong spray of water
- Example: "If aphids, thrips or other insects invade your rose bushes, you may be able to force them off with just a strong spray of water."
- Which of the following is NOT listed as a native region for rose plants?
- Asia
- Northwest Africa
- Europe
- South America
- In what year did Congress select the rose as America's national flower?
- 1986
- 1975
- 1990
- 2000
- How many hours of sunshine should roses receive on bright days?
- Four hours
- Six hours
- Eight hours
- Ten hours
- According to Jeffrey Dinslage, why might bare‑root roses be advantageous for shipping?
- They come with soil.
- They weigh less to transport.
- They are already potted.
- They have larger roots.
- Which material is NOT mentioned as a possible mulch for rose plants?
- Bark
- Pine needles
- Cottonseed
- Gravel
- Do you agree that roses are a good choice for America’s national flower? Why or why not?
- Have you ever tried to grow roses or another flower? Share your experience.
- Why does the article say roses need about six hours of sunshine each day?
- What could happen if you water roses in the evening instead of the morning?
- The article says potted roses are easier to plant, but some gardeners prefer bare‑root roses. Which do you think is better and why?
- Should governments choose an official national flower? Explain your opinion.
- Imagine you could create a new type of rose that never gets black spot. What would it look like and what would you name it?
- If you could interview Jeffrey Dinslage, what three questions would you ask him about caring for roses?
- The article mentions using mulch to suppress weeds. What might be a problem if mulch is not removed after heavy rain?
- If you had a garden, would you choose to plant roses or another plant? Explain your choice.
Growing Roses in Your Garden
This is the VOA Special English Agriculture Report.
Most kinds of rose plants come from Asia. But roses are also native to other areas including northwest Africa, Europe and the United States.
In 1986, Congress chose the rose as America’s national flower. Technically, Congress and President Ronald Reagan declared it the “national floral emblem.” Whatever the name, the decision did not smell sweet to supporters of other popular flowers.
Some people say roses are difficult to grow. But you have a good chance of success if you start with a few suggestions from experts.
You should plant your roses where they can get sunshine for about six hours on bright days. You can buy roses from a garden center or by mail order. You can buy potted roses, also known as container roses, or bare-root plants. Each kind has its fans.
Some gardeners say potted roses are easier to plant. They say the roots develop better. But Jeffrey Dinslage, president of Nature Hills Nursery in Omaha, Nebraska, points out that bare-root roses come without soil. So they weigh less to transport.
The University of Illinois Extension advises getting bare-root roses as close to planting time as you can. If they arrive before you are ready to plant them, make sure the packing material is moist. Keep the plants in a cool, dark place. You plant the roses while they are dormant.
The resting plants have no leaves but still need water. When growing roses, the soil should feel moist deep down. Watering should be done in the morning. That can prevent problems called black spot and mildew.
But do not water too much. Jeffrey Dinslage says people often ask him about unhealthy discoloration on rose leaves. He says the spots are usually caused by too much water. After heavy rains or too much watering, he advises pulling away mulch temporarily from around the roots. This will help dry the soil.
In normal conditions, placing mulch around rose plants is a good idea. Mulch suppresses weeds and holds moisture in the soil. You can use mulch made from bark, pine needles, cottonseed or oak leaves.
If your soil is very dry, you can add peat or compost, which returns nutrients to the soil. If aphids, thrips or other insects invade your rose bushes, you may be able to force them off with just a strong spray of water.
And that’s the VOA Special English Agriculture Report, written by Jerilyn Watson. I’m Jim Tedder.
Related Articles
Everyday Psychology
50 Pages
TOEIC - Level 2
97 Pages
Words and Their Stories
100 Pages