Rose

By Sriya Bairy

My family started growing roses 8 years ago when we bought a few small saplings from Costco and planted them in soil. Now these saplings are big bushes! To allow this plant to develop and thrive, I make sure to give it 5 hours of direct sunlight and shade for the rest of the day. In addition, I fertilize it 3-4 times per month and water it 1-2 times per day. I found that combining gardening soil with compost before planting the roses resulted in healthier plants. My family’s rose bushes give many roses on a regular basis, and the color of these flowers range from a bright reddish-orange to a hot pink. Once, I tried to use the roses in my garden to make tea, and unexpectedly, it turned out to be a family favorite. Ever since then, it’s been in popular demand for my family, and we drink rose tea often. I personally enjoy it on a cold winter evening, as it’s really warm and comforting.