Have you ever wondered how rose nurseries time their bloom-cycles to correspond with specific times of the year such as Mother's Day? Rose-blooms develop from leaf nodes which are located just below the point where stems have been pruned. There are a number of factors which have an effect on how long it takes for a new rose to develop but generally, it can take anywhere from six to eight-weeks to produce a new bloom on a rose plant.

Proper pruning techniques will not only encourage your rose plant to continue producing new flowers, but it will also keep your plants healthier by promoting good air circulation throughout the plant. Knowing how to properly prune your rose plants can make all the difference between growing a healthy and floriferous rose plant or one that is constantly facing preventable-challenges.

Join members of the Honolulu Rose Society for a free hands-on workshop on "Pruning Roses" at 9am 10:15am at the Urban Garden Center's (955 Kamehameha Highway, Pearl City, 96782), Second Saturday at the Garden, May 8th. Don't forget to bring your hat, garden gloves, and pruners.

We will start our workshop with a 15-minute instructional briefing and then break up in to small groups to get some hands-on experience sharpening and disinfecting your pruners before moving on to pruning live rose plants. Space is limited so please arrive early.

Also available that day, just in time for Mother's Day, potted rose plants! Come and check out some of the recommended varieties selected by members of the Honolulu Rose Society. Please call 545-5653 or visit www.honolulurosesociety.org for more information.