While roses are the centerpiece of any garden landscape, these special flowers do require some specialized care and the right rose gardening tools will help you to do the job. It is important for all landscapers and rose gardeners to be aware of the special needs of roses, and to take the steps needed to help them thrive. Among the most important gardening tools for the rose gardener to gather are…

Gardening gloves

One of the chief components of any rose plant are the thorns, so a strong pair of gardening gloves is an essential part of any rose gardening kit. It is a good idea to invest in a quality pair of leather gardening gloves, as these will be more protective, and more long lasting.

Shovels

When choosing shovels for the garden, it is important to choose models that are lightweight and easy to work with. Shovels with fiberglass shafts and strong handles work well in the garden. You may also want to invest some extra money into a shovel with a padded handle.

Rakes

Like shovels, rakes are an important part of any gardening project, and it is important to choose quality rakes to get the job done. Look for a strong rake with steel tines for smoothing the garden, and a high quality leaf rake for removing leaves and other debris. It is a good idea to buy both a large rake and a smaller one for getting into those tighter places.

Pruning shears

These are perhaps the most important of all gardening tools, and rose growers will use their pruners on an almost daily basis. There are in fact two different kinds of pruners – the bypass pruner and the anvil pruner. For most types of roses the bypass pruner will work best. This type of pruning shear will not crush the delicate stems of the roses the way an anvil pruner could.

Wheelbarrow

Purchasing a simple wheelbarrow is an important part of gardening. There is simply no substitute for a strong and sturdy wheelbarrow to move things from one part of the garden to another.

Gardening fork

A gardening fork is a must have for the rose gardener. It is important to choose a quality steel gardening fork with a solid padded handle. The gardening fork will make it much easier to loosen and turn the soil.

Watering wand

When choosing a watering wand, it is important to look for one with brass fittings. These brass wands will last much longer than plastic, and that long life will more than make up for the higher initial cost. It is also a good idea to choose a wand with a shut off valve. You will find this valve very convenient when working in the garden.

Kneeling pads

Working in the garden means spending lots of time kneeling, and it is important to have a quality kneeling pad to make the work more comfortable. There are several different sizes and varieties of kneeling pads, including kneeling blocks with attached handles. It is important to shop carefully and to choose a kneeling pad that works for you.

Foundation plantings have traditionally been intended to screen cement foundations of houses. This is a bit short sighted, however. Creating a welcoming entrance garden is a more appropriate way go about designing these spaces. Entrance gardens are important as they’re able to integrate houses and gardens with the surrounding landscape.

Entrance gardens should be welcoming and open. They can draw attention to architectural details or screen architectural flaws. When deciding what to use in the garden, try to avoid planting rapidly growing plants which can quickly become obtrusive, outgrow their allotted space, block views and obstruct access. Entrance garden are usually the front garden at most homes and can benefit from plants which have year-round interest, such as evergreens or deciduous shrubs with colorful autumn foliage or berries in the winter. Specimen shrubs, such as a interesting flowering deciduous shrub or a dwarf evergreen, work exceptionally well in an entrance garden. Use specimen shrubs sparingly in your garden, however, in order to avoid the one of everything look.

The shrubs which run between the entrance and corner of the house and are most effective when designed to be simple. Low growing shrubs generally work best as they won’t block views from the windows. Tall shrubs require frequent pruning and often result in awkwardly shaped plants.

Corner plantings which include tall shrubs or even small trees screen back yards as well as blend the garden in with surrounding landscape. All shrubs in the entrance garden should be placed where they won’t interfere views or touch the house when they mature.

Steer clear of exceedingly symmetrical designs since they can end up looking quite boring. Garden designs should have the same weight on both ends of the garden. Individual garden elements can consist of shrubs of different sizes, forms, and textures.

Simple designs often create the most successful gardens so try to limit the number of species of plants and paving material used in garden. You’ll have an easier time tying your garden together. You’ll also get you the most from each element. Strike a balance, variety is also important to create interest.

Plan your garden first on paper, before you begin planting, this give you something to refer to as you plant. Know the mature height of all the plants you’ll be using in your design. One of the most common mistakes gardeners make is improper plant selection and placement. Another mistake is over planting. Though your garden may look a bit sparse early on, you’ll avoid overcrowding in the future. Be sure to place your shrubs so that as they grow the foliage does not touch the structure. This will allow adequate air flow and will prevent the growth of mold.

To emphasize certain plants in your garden use contrasting shapes, colors, or textures. For instance, the large pale green leaves of a hydrangea contrast nicely with the dark green needles of a mugo pine.

A successful garden design requires more than simply screening the unsightly architectural flaws of a house. With thoughtful planning a foundation planting can be transformed into a welcoming entrance garden.