All of us want to help, protect, and shield our children from life’s daily disappointments. How can we give constructive advice, to a child, without being remembered as one of their worst critics? Any negative comment we make has a “ripple effect” and can turn into long-term hostility.

Unfortunately, some adults will criticize a child far too often and any “good intentions,” are turned into a variety of bad feelings, within the child’s mind. So, giving advice is a very precise skill.

If your child is sensitive, and most people are, the criticism of today will shape his or her perception of situations for life. Parents and teachers have to use negative reinforcement rarely and carefully.

After all, we cannot reward children for bad behavior. This is a form of “inconsistent reinforcement.” This can “backfire”, and you can eventually have a situation where any reaction you have doesn’t matter.

So where do you start? Firstly, realize that any time you spend with your child is valuable. The younger a child is, the more your words will have an effect. So, you can salvage a relationship at any age, but it is better to start now.

If you must give advice, there is a technique called “sandwiching,” which will keep your relationship intact. If you see where you could be of help, but want to retain a relationship of trust, you should try this method.

Here is an example of how you could use sandwiching to give a suggestion, without having your intentions misinterpreted. Let’s say your daughter finishes her book report; you have time to read it, and it has more than a few typos. You know she could get a better grade with a little improvement. So what do you do?

Compliment her about the fact that she finished her project on time. Then, gently point her toward a word processing program and the many functions that will make written work look much better. Finally, praise her for the content of her report. Notice that the formula: “Praise-advise-praise,” will work every time.

Children love recognition from adults, and with this simple formula, you can gently guide most children toward success. Due to overzealous criticism, some parents and teachers, who are insensitive, and too frank, often experience rebellion from children. Therefore, giving advice is a diplomatic skill that needs constant improvement. If you take the time to do this, your success rate will be extraordinary.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html

Thinking of getting a dog? You know your child wants a dog to play with but did you know that the love and companionship of a dog can have long lasting effects going far beyond their ability to entertain and amuse?

The current research into dog assisted therapy has turned the humble pet dog into an emotional, educational and physical resource. Everything from autism to reading ability has been tested with the use of therapy dogs. Excellent programs exist that have demonstrated a link between the interaction with dogs and improved social and reading skills.

It makes sense that even healthy children may experience benefits from owning a dog. What are some ways dogs affect children emotionally, socially and physically?

Can Your Dog Teach Your Child to Read?

A program was started that introduced the concept of children reading to dogs. The idea was that the child would be calmed by the presence of the dog as well as stimulated by the contact without the pressures of reading to a teacher or a peer.

The children loved the experience and the program creators noted that reading skills, including stuttering, improved. While not all reading problems can be corrected with a dog’s company it is certainly a matter of interest to parents.

Owning a Dog Can REDUCE Allergies

Several pediatric experts have disowned the theory that early exposure to pets is a prime cause of allergies in children. In fact, the PAWSitive Interaction organization arranged a summit that included information suggesting exposure to pets by pregnant women and babies born into households with two or more pets actually had less allergies to the pets and other allergens than children not exposed.

Dogs Improve Social and Emotional Well-being

Anyone who has owned a dog can attest to the relaxing effects of owning a pet. Studies have shown that petting an animal can reduce anxiety and tension. The companionship of a dog can also help children build self-esteem and ease social interactions.

Dogs provide non-judgmental company and unwavering loyalty. To young children facing a world in which they are struggling to find their place a dog can help them develop a sense of themselves while also decreasing feelings of loneliness and encouraging empathy.

Physical Benefits for Children with Dogs

While physical therapies and assistance programs commonly incorporate dogs even healthy children can benefit physically from owning a dog.

Dogs demand a certain amount of physical play and care. Children may be more motivated to be physically active when they are with a dog than without.

While dogs cannot be the only answer to serious conditions, owning a dog can surely provide many benefits to your child when wisely selected and trained to compliment the family’s lifestyle and the child’s personality. Having a devoted dog in the home can contribute to a parent’s efforts to raise their child into a caring and balanced adult.

Shannon Emmanuel is a freelance writer and researcher. Her recent book ‘Choose the Best Dog for Your Child’ is now available online at http://best-dog-breed-for-children.com. Find out more before bringing a dog home to your children.

Get to know your beloved dog better with these insightful quotations all about your best four-legged friend…

1. ” A wise man associating with the vicious becomes an idiot; a dog travelling with good men becomes a rational being.”
   –Arabian Proverb

2. “You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, `My God, you’re RIGHT! I NEVER would’ve thought of that!’”
   – Dave Barry

3. “A boy can learn a lot from a dog: obedience, loyalty, and the importance of turning around three times before lying down.”
   – Robert Benchley

4. “Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog’s face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window.”
   – Steve Bluestone

5. “A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.”
   –John Calvin

6. “I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren’t certain we knew better.”
   – George Bird Evans

7. “Old age means realizing you will never own all the dogs you wanted to.”
   –Joe Gores

8. “To his dog, every man is Napoleon. Hence the constant popularity of dogs.”
   –Aldous Huxley

9. “When the old dog barks it is time to watch.”
   – Latin Proverb

10. “If you are a dog and your owner suggests that you wear a sweater. . . suggest that he wear a tail.”
    – Fran Lebowitz

11. “Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside a dog, it’s too dark to read.”
    – Groucho Marx

12. “Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that’s how dogs spend their lives.”
    –Sue Murphy

13. “It’s funny how dogs and cats know the inside of folks better than other folks do, isn’t it?”
    –Eleanor H. Porter

14. “I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive.”
    –Gilda Radner

15. “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
    – Mark Twain

16. “The more I know about people, the better I like my dog.”
    – Mark Twain

17. “If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.”
    –Mark Twain

18. “Dogs believe they are human. Cats believe they are God.”–
    Unknown

19. “The dog is the only being that loves you more than you love yourself.”
    –Fritz von Unruh

20. “If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer.”
    –Alfred North Whitehead

Resource Box - © Danielle Hollister (2004) is the Publisher of BellaOnline Quotations Zine - A free newsletter for quote lovers featuring more than 10,000 quotations in dozens of categories like - love, friendship, children, inspiration, success, wisdom, family, life, and many more. Read it online at - http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8364.asp

When having a youth fundraiser, you need to keep the word youth in mind. Try to make it fun for them, as they will be doing most of the work. A youth fundraiser can be very profitable if done properly. You can get the funds you are looking for and provide fun for the kids that are doing it.

If you can find someone to donate the space, then a carnival would be a wonderful youth fundraiser to have. A fundraising auction would also be a big hit. Both fundraisers would cost very little to get together, although you will need a lot of hands on help from the kids and the parents. You will have to organize carefully for either one of these fundraisers to go off smoothly and successfully. Make sure each person knows what is expected of him/her and what needs to be done. Then you’re on your way to lots of fun and big profits with your fundraiser for youth.

A youth fundraiser carnival can be put together without much cost. You could have a fortune teller which would only take a glass ball, a table, and someone sitting there in a long dress and a scarf tied around the head. Have a ring toss table, where people can try to toss a ring around empty bottles and have small prizes for the ones that are successful. The youth will really get involved with this type of fundraiser as they enjoy acting and playing the games.

Get large cardboard boxes and tape them together for a house of fun for the little ones or have a dartboard with safety tipped darts. Try a fish tank with magnetic fish in the tank and have a fishing contest, borrow a outdoor play set or a few of them and have this as rides for the kids, sell hot dogs hamburgers and drinks at your youth fundraiser these will surely be a hit with everyone.

Fundraising auctions are also a neat way to have a youth fundraiser. Have the kids go through the community and collect items that people don’t need anymore. Get the youth themselves to donate any games or items that they don’t need. When you accumulate enough items you can start your fundraising auction. Set your items up in a large area and have a set time for viewing. Once the prospective buyers have seen all you have to offer, you can start your bidding.

At a youth fundraising auction it is best to have a set price to start with and anything that is bought above this price is like icing on the cake. It will make it more than profitable for the amount of donations you need. These are not the only choices you have for a youth fundraiser. Have a brainstorming session and you will be surprised at the ideas the youths will come up with.

Youth fundraisers can be a lot of fun.

For a website totally devoted to Fundraising visit Peter’s Website Fundraising Answers and find out about Fundraising as well as Charity Fundraising and more, including Cheerleading Fundraising, Church Fundraisers and School Fundraisers.

Over the course of spring and summer breaks, my teenage kids find multiple ways to antagonize me. One of my daughter’s favorite complaints is, “…I’m bored. There is nothing to do.” Of course, my response is always, “…there’s plenty of things to do,” with a continuation of the myriad listing of ideas, tasks and other events in which she can partake. Ideally, she would have me take her mall shopping, cruising the beach strip, and ultimately become her sole entertainment planner and provider during her “vacation” period.

Suddenly, it dawns on me that I was once the tyrannical 10-year old who “had nothing to do…” My dad’s exhausted reply to me then was, “…stand on your head and laugh.” That was, of course, at a time when television wasn’t quite as controversial and diverse as it is today. I can’t even begin to imagine the many channels my kids have at their disposal. I think I stopped count after 300-something. If movies aren’t on their menu, then they’ve got the ultimate in gaming audio - not only the Sony Playstation, but also the Sony II, Sega Genesis, and many handheld computer games as well.

Not being a house-recluse myself, I always preferred enjoyment of the great outdoors. Okay, we didn’t live on a mountainside, but our backyard was equally just as fun. Whether it was catching frogs, playing in tadpole-infested puddles, playing Frisbee or ball with the family dog, playing Marco-Polo, Redlight-Greenlight, Simon Says, softball, jump rope, hopscotch, bicycling, soccer, tether ball, roller-skating, volley ball, tennis, sprint-racing, or simply sitting on green, dewy grass - there were ample things to do.

Kids growing up in the 1970s despised rainy days. We didn’t have the cool conveyances that children have in modern society. Back then, if it rained - you’re “vacation” or “school in-service day” was shot. We actually had to find things to do with our time - like reading, drawing, and listening to music. If we were fortunate, we had some type of talent in which we could indulge; resorting to playing guitar, singing, painting or cooking. And yes, kids actually had to turn on a stove to cook the infamous Ramen Noodles. Today, microwave has made cooking a breeze. Specially marked packages of mac-n-cheese, and many other easy-to-cook foods are now microwavable. No longer do we have to wait forever for a quick snack. Mealtime is mere seconds away.

Television: Saturdays were the ultimate in animated television programming. I still recall wasting my morning sleep on 7am Saturday mornings just so I could go and watch Scooby-Doo. Because then, Saturday morning was the ONLY time kids could watch cartoons. During the remainder of the week, there were three channels - not including public television. And worst of all, if the President was holding a press conference, he was on ALL three channels. Needless to say, kids didn’t have the infinite viewing options then as they do today.

Phone: Years ago, we would have marveled at the now common “touch-tone” and “cordless” phone. Our minds would’ve been blown by global “walkie-talkies,” (now called cellular phones) - not to mention Internet access. Of course that was a different time though.

Extracurricular Activities: Swimming would’ve been one of my favorite pastimes. I said, “… would have been,” because back then, families had to travel miles to get to the nearest public pool or swimming hole. At that time, commercial pool clubs were far and few between, and if you couldn’t afford a membership - well, then you had the rare pleasure of “running through a sprinkler” on hot, humid days. Even with our own private in-ground pool, my teenagers are sometimes “too tired” or just don’t “feel like swimming.” Modern generations of kids never cease to amaze me. Even with so many choices available to them, they still cannot seem to get “un-bored.”

In conclusion, after all efforts have been depleted, I simply tell them to “Stand on your head and laugh.”

© 2004 - All Rights Reserved
Stand on Your Head and Laugh: Kids these Days
by C. Bailey-Lloyd/Lady Camelot

About the Author:

C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the Public Relations Director & Writer for Holistic Junction — Your source of information for Holistic Practitioners; Reflexology Schools, Massage Therapy Schools, and Chiropractic Schools; Alternative Healthcare; Insightful Literature and so much more!


NOTICE: Article may be republished free of charge as long as Author Resource Box (above) is included, and ALL Hyperlinks REMAIN in tact and active.

EPIDURALS CAN SAVE YOU FROM THE “HORRORS” OF CHILDBIRTH

It is true that an epidural may make a woman have an easier birth, but may also complicate matters? Recently, I heard of a new study written by an anesthesiologist, stating that epidurals do not increase the woman’s risk of cesareans. I immediately dismissed it as an attempt to sell a book. The audience is for women who are wanting the validation that it is OK to have an epidural. Guess what? It is OK to have an epidural. If that is what a woman wants, I am all for her right to choose. However, there are still risks with any medical intervention. To sell a book to women who are wanting an epidural and convincing them there are no complications is a farce. This author loves what he does. He loves to save and protect women from the “horrors” of labor contractions. I would love to have him inside my labor and delivery room, if I desired an epidural.

WITH NATURAL CHILDBIRTH YOU DON’T NEED “SAVING”

I am passionate about what I do as a childbirth educator and a birth Doula. I have been at hundreds of births from the first to the last contraction. I bet money that this physician has never seen a natural delivery in a hospital setting where the mother is silent, controlled, enduring, and taking each contractions as it comes. These women act as if they have the whole world supporting them. Some of these women never seemed to have any discomfort because of the body’s endorphins. They view birth as natural and healthy and they don’t need to be saved.

HOWEVER:

With the typical birth in the hospital, most deliveries will be induced or augmented with pitocin. Pitocin makes the contractions stronger and more intense than nature intended. Other medical interventions will take place sooner than later. The woman is stuck in bed with a lot of pain. She isn’t able to move around and treat labor as natural, normal and healthy. Therefore, she has no choice but to have pain medications to endure the “wrath of the managed labor.” That is why I am glad that the epidural is available for those women really needing it.

BENEFITS OF A NATURAL DELIVERY

The epidural vs. no medication is this analogy. Are you going to hike up the most beautiful mountain canyon or are you going to take a tram? The ultimate goal is to reach the top. Both ways will reach your goal. One will endure more beauty as you take part of the entire scene. Taking the tram allows you to see some beauty but not all of it. You miss the power that you see in yourself as you hike. You miss out on the support system that is there to help you endure.

I have had two epidurals myself which I will never apologize for. However, I have also had the most beautiful unmedicated delivery. I did say immediately after that delivery that I wanted to do it all over again. It is true that no one throws you a party for not using the epidural. But, I will never forget the love, support and guidance from my birth team. I would not have had that if an epidural had “saved me.”

Julie L. Johnson is a wife and mother of three who has experienced every pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding situation there is and has lived to tell about. She is a Certified Lamaze Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant practicing in Southern California. Her website http://www.birth-angel.com provides services and products to help ease the transition into motherhood.

Now that you’re dog has shown you so much love and
brought you so much joy throughout your many years
together, it’s time that you return the favor when the dog
reaches his elder years. Caring for an older dog is much like
caring for an elderly person. Knowing how to do that will
help comfort your dog immensely.

What’s old for a dog?

The first thing that you’ve probably heard is the seven-year
rule (that your dog ages seven times faster than a human).
While this is pretty much accurate, some dogs (or breeds of
dogs) show signs of aging earlier than others. So, you’re
going to have to know what signs to look for to ascertain
whether your dog has officially reached his “golden years.”

Senility is not just for humans.

If your dog is older than seven (human years), then he’s
officially becoming older. While some dogs may show signs
far after seven, you may notice some of the following
characteristics once he reaches an older age. You may notice
that your dog has lost some of his housetraining skills. He
may soil or wet the area, especially through the night when
lying down. He may have trouble chewing food due to loose
teeth and sore gums. He may suffer from cataracts or even
partial or full blindness. He may gain weight more easily.
Weigh your dog every couple of months. If you notice large
lumps under his skin, it’s advised that you consult your
veterinarian, as this may be a sign of a possible tumor or
cancer. Your dog may even become grumpier.

While it’s impossible to cure all of the maladies that
accompany age, you can comfort your dog and make his
older life enjoyable.

Medication can help

There are many drugs out there that can help your dog.
While it’s not advised to give your pet too many
medications, there are some that can help if he’s suffering
joint or hip pain. If your dog seems extra tired or sore one
day, go ahead and skip his daily exercise routine. If it last
more than a couple of days, talk with your vet. Install a
partial ramp over the steps to and from your house so that
your dog doesn’t have to deal with the harsh incline on his
joints. Massage and rub your dog’s muscles. Studies have
shown that physio- or hydrotherapy can be extremely
beneficial in your dog’s elder years.

Grooming offers relief

Be sure to clip your older dog’s nails as he probably doesn’t
run about as much as when he was younger. The nails won’t
naturally keep trimmed down, so you’ll have to be sure to
keep his nails under control. If you don’t want to do it
yourself, veterinarians usually provide this service.
Your dog may become senile. While this is normal, some
cases are so severe that they are compared to Alzheimer’s.
There are dog drugs, like those given to human Alzheimer’s
patents that have proven effective.

Routines are welcome

Be sure that you keep your dog on a regular routine.
Exercise him daily. Control his weight. Buy high-quality
food and groom, pet and cuddle with your dog frequently.
Visit your vet at least once a year to screen for diseases. Buy
an orthopedic bed mat for your older dog.

Disabilities can occur

If your dog is blind or nearly there, you can make a home
solution of vinegar mixed with water to spray (about nose
high) onto door frames and sofas so he doesn’t run into
them. Also, don’t move furniture around. For deaf dogs, tell
everyone (especially children), not to approach your dog too
quickly. Be sure that the dog sees anyone coming towards
him.

Caring for an older dog can be just as hard as caring for a
puppy. Your dog will take kindly to the adaptations you’ve
made, which will make his “golden years” truly shine.

About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

Spring is here and for many of us it’s the perfect time to organize and decorate. As winter passes into spring, it’s out with the old look and in with the new look. This is a great time to bring some new ideas into your home and liven things up!

Spring is a great time to find bargains on decorating accessories at yard and garage sales. As the seasons change, many times your local thrift and consignment stores will have a change in inventory. This is the time when many folks finally donate unwanted merchandise that’s just been sitting around the garage or house. Spring cleaning!

My advise..have your own yard or garage sale and make some extra money on those items. But, lucky for us frugal shoppers, there are some folks who just don’t want to take the time. So, be sure not to miss out on decorating supplies, furnishings, accessories, paint, wallpaper, and fabrics that can be found at many thrift stores.

Sometimes pulling items from one room to another and simply re-organizing, fixing up, or just using an item in a different way can be enough. Add a fresh coat of paint, different window dressings and replacement of furnishings, and WHA LAH! You have a new room.

Need some paint? If you can be flexible about color, check the mis-mixed table at your local home improvement, hardware, or paint stores. You can find high quality paints for a fraction of the original retail cost when colors don’t turn out exactly as they should have. Sometimes you can find a slight variation of just the color you’ve already picked that will work just as well with your selected color scheme and save you lots of money.

I buy these mis-mixed paints (usually for $2-3 per gallon or less) throughout the year and store them appropriately for later use. This way I go shopping in my own paint department first to see if I can accommodate the decorating plan I have chosen. Planning ahead and grabbing these types of decorating supplies when they’re a bargain is a great way to maximize your savings.

Collecting fabrics for future use is also another great idea. Even unwanted clothing can be used to create small window dressings, pillow covers, and accessories. Many people give away scraps of fabrics or sell them at yard sales. Be sure to check clearance and end piece items at sewing and fabric shops. It’s really so simple to make a curtain or a pillow. Usually only requires sewing simple seams.

For more complicated tasks, if you can’t figure it out for yourself, you’re sure to find a how to book at any library or search on-line for free information.

I’ve found some excellent ideas for decorating on a budget, do-it-yourself projects, and some great decorating theme ideas from HGTV (Home and Garden Television). Even if you don’t get this wonderful T.V. channel in your home, you can go on-line at HGTV.com to benefit from some wonderful ideas and projects by professionals. There’s a lot for do-it-yourselfers here! You can get some great ideas for areas of your home where you just don’t know what to do with it.

Before you make your plans, check out several books at the library on home decorating. You will find no shortage of books on this subject. Glance through them and grab ideas to incorporate into your own decorating task. If you have a specific challenge to overcome, likelihood is someone else has already encountered it, conquered it, and written a book or web page about it. Use their knowledge! It will save you time and frustration of figuring it out.

My last words, of course, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Know your options.
Remember..Informed Consumer=More Savings.

Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others become and remain debt free. Publisher of http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com - A self-help plan, ideas, and resources for debt reduction, personal budgeting, frugal living, and extra income opportunities. Money saving tips for groceries, clothing, ,home decorating, monthly bills, and much more.

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.” - Milan Kundera

The idea of wearing jewelry with dog motifs may seem strange to most people. The dog is normally not anywhere near as graceful as the cat or the dolphin, which both make for wonderful jewelry patterns, indeed. But the appeal of dog jewelry may surprise some, and the beauty that comes with the designs in dog jewelry would catch even gem-lovers off-guard.

Why wear dog jewelry? Well, it could be for a variety of reasons. Dogs have become the universal symbol of loyalty and unconditional affection. If you ever met a person who was so dedicated to anything — in love or at work — chances are that person is also a dog-lover. There are lessons you learn from keeping dogs, and among them are kindness and patience, fierce protectiveness, as well as strength in the face of adversity.

In ancient Egypt, Anubis, the dog-headed god of embalming, was held in high regard as the conductor of the underworld — the one who saw the dead off to their final resting places. Anubis comes associated with death, and the sight of a dog, jackal or wolf head have come to be associated with death as well. Men have in fact opted for dogs as masculine symbols, denoting territorialism and acute survival instinct. After all, dogs have been known to survive through the toughest circumstances, and this in itself cancels out the idea of dogs as “death-bringers.”

Toughness and loyalty are the main virtues associated with dogs. On the modern media front, Lassie has perpetuated the image of the companion that’s smarter than your everyday human, and is therefore loads more useful, if not also loads more affectionate. Old Yeller has also taught us about how sheer faithfulness is sometimes enough to get you through the most trying situations.

Dog jewelry is not exclusively for humans to wear — there are dog collar charms, too! In fact, pet and owner can have matching charms: one charm in the master/mistress’ bracelet, and a similar one on the pet’s collar.

If you are a dog lover, try out dog jewelry! Show the world your appreciation of the noble heritage of man’s best friend!

Sam Serio is an Internet Marketer, musician and a writer on the subject of jewelry and gemstones. For more information on jewelry and gemstones, we cordially invite you to visit http://www.morninglightjewelry.com to pick up your FREE copy of “How To Buy Jewelry And Gemstones Without Being Ripped Off.” This concise, informative special report reveals almost everything you ever wanted to know about jewelry and gemstones, but were afraid to ask. Get your FREE report at http://www.morninglightjewelry.com.

Miniature roses are exactly what they sound like. They have all of the fragrance and beauty of a regular rose, but they have smaller blooms. These particular roses are great for indoor planting.

Miniature roses are one of many types of roses available widely. These roses, as their name implies, are smaller versions of the more common roses. They offer the same beauty and fragrances as their larger cousins. The consumer can find a large selection in a variety of colors and shape available to them. Caring for these miniature roses is no more difficult then caring for the larger variety. But, taking the time to learn about the miniature rose is key in maintaining them over a long period of time

Miniature roses come in many colors and varieties. There truly is something to please everyone. These roses are great additions to a flower bed, window box or even inside the home or office as a potted variety. With so many choices available, the demand for these roses has risen. Once hard to find, they are now available in most garden centers and even in discount department stores as well. Now, this is not to say that the consumer can’t find better, more hardy options other places.

If a consumer is dead set on a color, shape, or texture in their miniature rose, they should use the internet to help them find the right miniature rose for them. This is as simple as going a search in a search engine and finding wholesale sellers. There is a constant demand for miniature roses and in that they are always developing more varieties to please the public. So, many of these wholesalers can offer more then the local garden center can.

Anyone in the market for miniature roses needs to know their facts. The miniature rose is no different from other plants in that it needs certain elements to help maintain it. The soil type, sun exposure, and nutrients it needs all depend on the variety. Asking the retailer for this information is a must. Grab a book on caring for miniature roses if needed to give the most information possible. Doing all these things will lead to owning a beautiful miniature rose or several. It will also be the foundation of a love of miniature roses as well.

Ken Austin
Roses and Rose Gardening
Online Discount Shopping Guide