TheGiftInsider.com and the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino have partnered up to giveaway 4 Free Trips to Aruba to Facebook fans who send in their most cringe-worthy Valentine’s Day stories.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 10, 2012

TheGiftInsider.com, a popular site known for it’s uber-cool and creative gift ideas, is sending four couples on a fabulous trip to The Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. To win one of the four trips, contestants must send in a story about the “Worst Valentine’s Day Gift They’ve Ever Received” and for the entries that deserve it the most, they win a trip to Aruba.

TheGiftInsider.com is a free gift recommendation service that helps shoppers find hand-selected and creative gift ideas, then links shopper to the merchant that sells these gift ideas. The site let’s visitors browse for gifts by price, person, occasion or personality and offers exclusive discount codes for many products featured on the site.

Founder of TheGiftInsider.com, Lindsay Roberts, says “As a gift expert, we hear gifting horror stories all the time, especially around Valentine’s Day. We know how much some of you deserve it. Tell us about your “Worst Valentine’s Day Story Ever” and whoever deserves it the most, we’ll send to Aruba!”

Roberts recommends tips and gift ideas across a variety of media platforms. She has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, CW and FOX networks across the country, she was recently a guest on The Carson Daly Radio Show and contributes to several gift guides and online columns.

HOW TO ENTER

Fill out the Facebook Entry Form

It will direct contestants to:

• LIKE The Gift Insider Facebook
• Submit story about the “Worst V-Day Gift You’ve Ever Received”
• Share with Facebook friends if chosen as a finalist, get users to vote daily to win

GRAND PRIZE (2 Winners)

Trip for 2 to Aruba (Hotel + Airfare) – $4,250 Value Each Trip

• Four night/Five day stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
• Round Trip Airfare for 2
• Reserved daily cabana at the H20asis adults-only pool
• $100 resort credit for each couple

RUNNERS UP (2 Winners)

Trip for 2 to Aruba (Airfare not included) -$3,250 Value Each Trip

• Four night/Five day stay at the Aruba Marriott Resort and    Stellaris Casino
• Reserved daily cabana at the H20asis adults-only pool
• $100 resort credit for each couple

About The Gift Insider:

TheGiftInsider.com searches far and wide to find the perfect gift for anyone and for every occasion. With an easy-to-use and well-organized site, gift-giving guru Lindsay Roberts, has carefully cultivated a unique selection of gifts. TheGiftInsider.com writes a quick rundown of the gift and then links you directly to the merchant’s site. And as a bonus, they offer exclusive discounts on select gifts.

About The Aruba Marriott Resort Stellaris Casino:

Aruba Marriott Resort Stellaris Casino boasts 411 guestrooms each with private balconies overlooking cascading waterfalls, a free form swimming pool and tranquil Caribbean waters. Guest exclusivity is attainable on the eighth floor through the Tradewinds Club, a boutique, ‘hotel-within-a-hotel’ concept that is paired perfectly with the new adults-only swimming pool. On property dining options range from light to elegant with seven restaurants and cafes, while entertainment and relaxation can be achieved in the island’s largest casino, or in the 6,500 square-foot spa. Please visit http://www.arubamarriott.com for more information on the Aruba Resort or their new Adults Only Pool.

For more information, gift expert interviews, media appearances, quotes or high res images please go to The Gift Insider’s press page or contact Lindsay directly.

###

Lindsay Roberts
Lindsay [at] thegiftinsider [dot] com
(248) 939-0195
Email Information

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Q. Each year the crabgrass returns to fill in my lawn. What is the best way to keep it from growing?

A. If it was not for crabgrass, many residents would not have a lawn. But, if you don’t want it to resprout and compete with the good grass now is the time to get it under control. Most crabgrass looks brown at this time but don’t let it fool you. While many of the sprigs could be dead some are always ready to grow. These have to be removed from the lawn. In many instances it is best to remove infested areas of turf and resod.

Products to prevent the growth of crabgrass seeds are sold as preemergence herbicides. Look for ones that mention crabgrass control on the label. These can be used with thin lawns that have a minimal crabgrass invasion or if you want to keep the crabgrass out of the good turf. They usually cannot be used if you plan to resod or seed an area as they prevent the good grass from rooting down or germinating.

• Tom MacCubbin

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Perhaps the best solution for small areas of crabgrass is to dig them out and add patches of fresh sod or plugs. Then when the crabgrass is noted it can be pulled out or spot killed with a non selective herbicide following label instructions. Some gardeners also find spot treating young crabgrass growth with a very light dusting of baking soda as a home remedy gives good results.

Q. Landscapers caring for the ornamental grasses along the highways have been cutting them back for a few months. Is this a good time to cut back my fountain grass?

A. Mid-February is an ideal time to give this and other ornamental grasses a fresh start. Most can have all the top growth removed back to within a foot or less of the ground. This is also a good time to thin out the dead or declining portions. Do wear long gloves and protective clothing as most of these grasses have sharp edges.

Q. I have a kalanchoe plant in an east window that blooms but does not grow. What is the problem?

A. Perhaps you received or purchased a kalanchoe with succulent-like leaves during the holidays. You can expect it to continue to open the clusters of star shaped flowers for a few more months. Late fall through early spring, kalanchoe plants take time out from making growth to produce their blooms. These are what we call short day plants, meaning they initiate their flower buds and bloom when the days are short or have what some call long nights. The reduced day length also keeps them from making growth. Your plant should begin sending out new shoots and foliage during the longer days of spring through early fall. When this occurs, many cut the plants back to renew the compact look and make cuttings to start new ones.

Q. I understand now is a good time to prune the roses. But how much of a plant do I remove?

A. It may seem brutal but you are going to cut the traditional bush roses back one-third to one-half their present size. This is renewal time when older non productive stems are removed and new growths encouraged. Also, remove any dead or diseased branches. A good-looking rose bush is left with 3 to 5 strong stems from the base and an open growth habit. After pruning, apply a fungicide and give the bushes a good feeding. Climbing roses are not pruned at this time. The pruning is delayed until after the first blooms of spring and this trimming amounts to mainly a grooming.

Q. My clump of azaleas is more than 30 years old, stands about 12 feet high and most likely has never been pruned. Will a severe pruning kill them?

A. Not pruning these tall aged azaleas is more likely to cause their decline than a good trimming. Older azaleas are full of declining shoots that allow fungal organisms to enter the lower stems and destroy the shrubs. Enjoy the late winter color and then begin the rejuvenation prunings as the flowers fade.

Start by eliminating declining shoots and then remove up to one-third of the older main stems back to the ground. Thin out any remaining weak twiggy portions and then cut the plants back a few feet below the desired height. Complete the pruning by applying a copper containing fungicide to prevent fungal organisms from entering the wounds, following label instructions.

Q. I have heard the peace lily called a closet-plant and I would like to put one that is blooming in a spot with artificial light for 4 hours a day. Will this light harm the plant?

A. No green plant likes to be in a closet but some can take the lower light levels. The peace lily or spathiphyllum can exist under the lower light levels but four hours a day of light is not very much. Either leave the light on longer or find it a better home near a bright window. At the lower light levels peace lilies develop long thin leaves and stop flowering. It prefers the bright light locations but no direct sun.

Q. I have two bush daises that were planted three years ago and have grown quite large. Can I cut them back at this time of the year?

A. Break out the clippers, it’s time to do the pruning. Now is the time to give most shrubs and perennials a pruning unless they are spring bloomers. You are likely to lose the blooms from ones like the bush daisy that flower throughout the year but they should quickly send out new growths with fresh sets of flower buds. The plants can be cut way back and even sheared. The best look is obtained by using the hand pruners to selectively remove individual shoots back to buds or branch angles so to maintain the normal shape of the plants.

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“Before the Festival: The Improbable Journey of Holland’s Favorite Flower” OPENS February 24, 2012 to the public.  Special member preview February 23 – 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Wichers Gallery.

If someone asked you to name something Dutch, you might be quick to say tulips. What could be more Dutch? Well, you would be wrong! Although commonly associated with the Netherlands, the tulip actually originated from areas around the Black Sea, such as Turkey and Iran, and didn’t make it to the Netherlands until the late 16th century. “Before the Festival: The Improbable Journey of Holland’s Favorite Flower” will explore the origins of the tulip, when it arrived in the Netherlands, and eventually Holland, Michigan, and how it became the Dutch icon as we know it today.

About Holland Museum

The Holland Museum is located in the former Post Office, built in 1914, and houses an extensive, fascinating collection of artifacts. Exhibits focus on the story of the early Dutch settlement and its development into a thriving and diverse city. The Holland Museum is an AAM accredited museum.

Local History Exhibition (1st Floor)

Special cultural attractions from the “old country” include Dutch paintings and decorative arts, and exhibits from the Netherlands Pavilion of the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Other permanent exhibits explore aspects of local history including Lake Michigan maritime, shipwrecks and resorts; agriculture and manufacturing; service to the community; the religious foundation of the “Holland Kolonie”; and an illustrated timeline of area history including its increasing ethnic diversity.

Temporary and Traveling Exhibitions (1st Floor)

Frequently changing temporary and traveling exhibits are shown in the Wichers Gallery.  On exhibit in the Wichers Gallery – “Before the Festival: The Improbable Journey of Holland’s Favorite Flower”, runs from February 24 – September 2, 2012. Smaller, more intimate exhibitions are housed in the Museum’s Focus Gallery, “Wish You Were Here: Selections from the Mike Van Ark Postcard Collection”, runs from January 27 – August 5, 2012.

The Dutch Galleries (2nd Floor)

The museum’s second floor is home to four Dutch art galleries, exhibiting a growing collection of 17th to 19th century paintings and decorative arts. Docents are on duty and guided tours are available.

The Archives and Research Library (Lower Level)

The Archives and Research Library houses the museum’s extensive paper collection of local history and Netherlands history, including the unparalleled Netherlands Information Service collection, is located on the lower level of the building with free access to the public.

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PRLog (Press Release) – Feb 10, 2012 –
If you are trying to think of a great gift to give to the people close to your heart or even that perfect gift for yourself, one of the best ideas is a set of beautiful latte mugs. A lot of gift items today are impractical and impersonal. The gift of a latte mug will not only be used to hold your favorite warm beverage, but will surely warm the heart of the person receiving it.

This is the passion of award-winning artist and muralist, Virginia Ann Holt. Virginia has extensive experience in painting as well as a long running background in the study of art. She traveled in Europe touring museums, artists’ homes and studying Gothic architecture; she settled for a time in Geneva, Switzerland where she modeled in all the art schools of the city.

Virginia has returned to her native San Diego after decades of travel, study and working abroad and is successfully helping San Diegans all over the county to realize their artistic visions though her company Visions in Faux.

Her custom painted latte mugs come in many different styles and delightful designs that deeply reflect her love of nature. Choosing the scene or pattern that’s perfect for you should not be too difficult. There are many options available, being that they are one of the highest ranking gift items for just about every occasion.

Some different types of mugs available today include: flower mugs, photo mugs, plain mugs, cartoon character mugs, and many, many more! In today’s world, you can have just about anything superimposed onto a coffee mug.

Flower mugs seem to be the favorite among many coffee and tea drinkers. Receiving a mug painted with flowers can be just like receiving a fresh bouquet of flowers and they will last a lot longer. If you have allergies, flower mugs are even better!

Latte mugs, aside from using them for everyday use, can also be displayed as works of art. Adding floral mugs painted by a fine painter and artist of the world will not only improve your ceramic bragging rights, but will also be a definite improvement to any room in your house. And contrary to popular belief, these precious pieces of artwork also won’t cost you a fortune.

Flower mugs can also give you that sensation of smelling the fresh air in a beautiful flower garden or prairie. Although latte mugs can be used as decoration in any room of your home, waking up on the wrong side of the bed is no match for the feeling you will have after drinking your first cup of morning coffee in your new latte flower mug!

For more information about San Diego artist, painter, muralist and faux finisher Virginia Ann Holt, visit her online store Visions in Faux at http://virginiaannholt.com. Virginia’s wonderful works of art can be acquired as collectable flower mugs, latte mugs, fine art prints on canvas, greeting cards, calendars and more. You’ll love her new collectable works of art now imprinted on latte mugs. Purchase custom collectable flower mugs and latte mugs by artist Virginia Ann Holt at http://virginiaannholt.com/products-page.

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When in love, old is always gold. We list out the tried and tested things that you can gift your valentine this year and make it an exciting and memorable one for her.

Platinum forever

Platinum sounds aspirational, still affordable, thanks to the rising gold prices. Platinum bands and jewellery is getting common in India because of the rising awareness and the sheer look of the metal which fits with the contemporary wear.

“Platinum was already popular in the ultra-high net worth customers some years ago. They typically prefer setting a solitaire in platinum because of its higher density compared to gold. Now this metal is gaining popularity even in the retail segment because of its attractive pricing,” says Vijay Jain, CEO of Orra.

Till recently, platinum was sold at a premium to gold. But after the recent bull run in the yellow metal, gold and platinum prices are now at comparable levels.

It is very difficult to standardise pricing of platinum jewellery as it varies from jeweller to jeweller. Platinum jewellery falls in the wide range of Rs 30,000 to Rs 2 lakh.

The pricing depends upon the kind of jewellery and weight. If you plan to buy a platinum band or earrings, ensure the jeweller is authorised to sell platinum jewellery.

The Platinum Guild International, which has a presence in India, has enlisted the authorised jewellers who sell platinum in India on its website. “Also, just ensure the platinum jewellery is authenticated by a third-party certification by the Underwriters Laboratories, also popularly known as the UL card. This authenticates the quality of the jewellery,” says Jain of Orra.

Shimmering Solitaire

A diamond is always judged by 4 Cs – cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. IF (Internally Flawless) clarity diamonds are the best quality diamonds which are used for solitaires.

Undoubtedly, internally flawless clarity diamonds command a huge premium, 40% more than VVS – which is the next best quality of diamonds available in the market. The starting range for solitaires is Rs 1 lakh, but the price increases depending upon the cut and carat. Proportional is the most expensive form of cut. Similarly in shapes, round brilliant is the most superior compared to marquise, princess, pear, heart or oval.

Cars: A flashy set of wheels

There are several parameters which can help you decide the brand of the car you can buy. Needless to say the critical parameter is the budget. Apart from budget, your decision should also depend upon factors like the size of your family, end-use of the car, etc.

“For example, if an individual has to self drive to work every day, it makes sense buying a car which gives a comfortable driver seat with lumber support, easy steering, easy access to the steering, or a remote control mounted on the steering wheel, bluetooth connectivity, etc. In such cases, the boot space doesn’t really matter,” says Banwari Lal Sharma AVP – marketing, CarWale, Automotive Exchange.

If you are going to hire a chauffeur to drive the car, then other features such as boot space legroom, rear AC duct come into play.

“I would recommend buying an automatic transmission car as it is a huge relief for the left leg which has to constantly work on the clutch. Although, automatic transmission is till catching up in India, this option is available in several small- and mid-sized cars today,” says Banwari.

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Flickr / SeeMidTN.com (aka Brent)

Jason Notte

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Valentine’s Day is best illustrated in one series of actions: Withdraw from an ATM what you’d usually spend on date night, withdraw that amount again, show it to the person you love most and then flush the entire sum down the nearest toilet.


That’s basically the way every U.S. consumer has spent Valentine’s Day since Esther Howland imposed the first mass-market Valentine’s Day cards on the American public during the 1840s.

Now the whole sordid, red-painted affair is a nearly $18 billion industry that trails only Thanksgiving ($30.5 billion) and Christmas ($135 billion) in holiday spending, according to IBISWorld.

That’s almost $3 billion more than what’s spent on Mother’s Day. Sorry, mom, but they just met at a bar two months ago and neither of them are getting any younger.

Valentine’s Day is a melange of markups and misery, starting with the dozen roses selling for an average of about $59 in early January but around $80 the week before Valentine’s day.

That spending is only going up this year. The National Retail Federation estimates that American suckers … er … lovers are about to spend an average of $128 a pop to avoid getting the silent treatment or a stern dressing down. That’s a nearly 8.5% increase from last year and includes an average $37 worth of flowers and $72 for a night out. It’s a heart-shaped box of lovestruck spending that hides a rancid center of markups and emotional extortion.

The problem is that a few carnation stems from the nearest 7-Eleven just don’t cut it on Valentine’s Day. The Society of American Florists says 71% of flowers given on Valentine’s Day are roses, with 196 million roses grown for Valentine’s Day 2011 alone. That’s a tough order to fill after Christmas, which sucks up 30% of the year’s plant and flower purchases and gives growers only 50 to 70 days to work on the Valentine’s Day supply.

It doesn’t help that Valentine’s Day, which ranks third behind Christmas and Mother’s Day, with 20% of annual plant and flower volume and 25% of sales, vaults to No. 1 when it comes to sales of fresh flowers. Roughly 36% of all flower volume and 40% of flower revenue comes from Valentine’s Day sales.

With 36% of Americans planning to buy flowers for Valentine’s Day, according to the NRF, the holiday lead-up becomes a bizarro Black Friday for flower sellers. A dozen roses that sell for an average of little more than $59 in early January suddenly go for closer to $80 the week before Valentine’s day, according to the SAF. That’s a 33% premium before you’ve even picked up your date.

Once that happens, even the most thoughtful romantics find themselves hamstrung by holiday restaurant reservations. A finite supply of restaurant seating and a whole lot of demand can turn professional-grade wooing into amateur hour.

The folks at restaurant ratings guide Zagat say spending on a dinner out jumps from $70 for a typical dinner for two to more than $146 on Valentine’s Day. Overall, the NRF says Valentine’s Day dinner spending will jump from $3.36 billion in 2011 to $3.58 billion this year. On that night, there’s no such thing as an old favorite or a hidden gem.

That place with the great roasted chicken you go to every year for your anniversary? Yeah, it’s taken the fowl off the menu for a $45 filet mignon.

The bistro with the great tomato and basil soup you sneak into on date night? It wants a reservation a week in advance and is swapping out your soup for an iceberg salad. “Special” Valentine’s Day menus ease the burden on kitchen staffs, but turn charming restaurant favorites into lobotomized husks of their former selves for the stay-at-home masses who emerge from DVR-driven hibernation for this one winter’s night.

And boy, can those saps spend. Restaurant reservation site OpenTable(OPEN) says 93% of the Valentine’s Day reservation holders they surveyed plan to either match last year’s dinner bill or increase it. Among all diners, 54% plan to shell out $101 to $200. Another 10% plan to clear that $200 bar easily. Unfortunately for regulars, but booking a table the weekend before doesn’t drive down cost or demand, either.

“With this Valentine’s Day falling on a Tuesday, we are going to see two spikes in restaurant reservations,” says Caroline Potter, “chief dining officer” for OpenTable. “About half of diners surveyed anticipate booking a romantic evening on the 14th, while another 26% are choosing to celebrate on Saturday night, Feb. 11.”

Unless your last name is Yossarian, though, this isn’t a Catch-22. You know the easiest way to show someone you love them on Valentine’s Day? Putting some actual thought into it. Being original. Paying attention the other 364 days a year. Want to give someone a special dinner on Valentine’s Day? Find out their favorite meal and cook it. Want to make a romantic gesture? Stay away from the roses you awkwardly buy once a year and make a playlist of songs they love or that remind you of them. Buy or rent a copy of the movie you saw on your first date. Take a walk to the spot where you proposed.

You know, try.

It’s called effort. You can’t buy it at a markup, but it yields premium returns without putting you in the poorhouse.

Don’t Miss: 12 things you should never buy full-price  

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BLOOMINGTON — A mother whose 3-year-old daughter was allegedly
killed by her boyfriend admitted in court Friday that she knew her
child could be in danger when she allowed him to babysit on April
28 — the day the child suffered multiple traumatic injuries.

Candis Ethridge, 25, was sentenced Friday to 24 months probation
in a plea agreement that requires her to testify truthfully if
called as a witness at the trial of David Gharrett, her boyfriend
who is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Destiny
Cox. Ethridge pleaded guilty to a single count of child
endangerment, a Class 3 felony that could have sent her to prison
for 10 years under the state’s enhanced penalty guidelines.

The child died of blunt force trauma to her head and abdomen,
according to autopsy records.

In a statement outlining the evidence the state would have
presented against Ethridge if she’d stood trial, State’s Attorney
Ron Dozier said Gharrett told police he had ordered the child to
pick up dog feces at the family’s home in Chenoa and a short time
later she vomited after eating hot peppers.

“He took her to the bathroom where he dropped or threw her into
the tub,” said Dozier.

Neighbors and family friends interviewed by McLean County
sheriff’s investigators reported seeing Gharrett physically and
verbally abuse the child, said Dozier.

“The child is going to get hurt badly someday,” witnesses told
police, according to Dozier.

Witnesses also saw Ethridge with bruises and black eyes from
abuse she suffered during the time she lived with Gharrett — abuse
that could have affected her decision-making, said Dozier.

Ethridge cried as she stood in front of Judge James Souk during
the plea hearing and nodded in agreement as the terms were
explained to her.

Souk added a provision to the probation agreement that requires
Ethridge to complete parenting classes and other terms of a plan in
a neglect and abuse case related to a 2-year-old son she has with
Gharrett. The child is now in foster care with relatives.

In remarks to Ethridge after accepting the plea deal, Souk
encouraged her to continue the progress she’s making in the neglect
case.

“Obviously, you have suffered a loss and tragedy beyond any
sentence the court could impose,” said Souk.

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It doesn’t really matter what you buy your mum for Mother’s Day – even the smallest of gestures will be appreciated.

But if you’ve yet to discover it, the business directory on ThisisDerbyshire should be your first point of call when looking to make Sunday, March 18 even more special this year.

1. ​

   Plan Mothering Sunday with help from our business directory

The directory lists literally hundreds of Derbyshire business many of which feature honest and helpful reviews and have been rated by people like you.

Start with a card. You can either make one or visit your local newsagents or stationers to pick one that best suits your mum’s personality.

As for a gift, it largely depends on your budget.

She’ll always be grateful for flowers – from the most humble bunch daffodils which can cost as little as £1 to the most lavish of exotic bouquets. You can find a really good florist here.

Most mums are forever busy so treating her to a spot of me-time will go down well. Our business directory lists dozens of Derbyshire salons, spas and health centres where you can buy vouchers for treatments or even arrange for an entire day of pampering.

If you decide you want to mark the day as a family there’s nothing better than a meal out and our guide to restaurants in Derbyshire offers invaluable insights into where you’ll eat well. You can search by types of cuisine to ensure you choose exactly the right place.

Our directory also provides details of some great family days out but make sure you choose somewhere your mum would want to go. Garden centres – which these days offer so much more than just horticulture – can be a popular choice are peaceful places to spend a few hours.

A small piece of jewellery or a new watch – and they don’t have to cost the earth – will be a treasured keepsake.

Or if you mum is an avid reader what better gift than a new book or a book token which can be picked up at one of Derbyshire’s many bookstores.

And perhaps best of all, make sure she gets a lie-in and breakfast in bed – I’ll guarantee she’s earned it!

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Chances are you’ll remember your sweetie with roses on Tuesday. But Valentine’s Day is also a good time to prune the roses in your garden.

Pruning gives new life to roses, allowing light and air to filter through the plant, encouraging growth and more blooms and discouraging pests.

How (and in some cases, when) you prune depends on the rose type – so before you pull out the clippers, it helps to know what type you’re growing.

• Modern hybrid teas and grandifloras benefit from heavier pruning; otherwise, they grow lanky. Examples: ‘Mr. Lincoln,’ ‘Double Delight’ and ‘Touch of Class’ are teas; ‘Crimson Bouquet’ and ‘Gold Medal’are grandifloras. 

• Prune floribunda tops back a third to a half. Examples: ‘Angel Face,’ ‘Europeana’ and ‘Else Poulson.’

• Prune landscape roses that grow on their own roots to shape, or prune back by a third to a half to shorten them. Examples: ‘Knock Out,’ ‘Nearly Wild’ and ‘Home Run.’

• Trim antique or old-garden roses to shape and control plant size. Examples: ‘Mutabilis,’ ‘Duchess de Brabant’ and ‘Mrs. B.R. Cant.’

• Prune repeat-blooming climbers when they’re dormant. Examples: ‘Blaze,’ ‘New Dawn’ and ‘Climbing Pinkie.’

• Prune once-blooming climbers after they bloom in the spring. Examples: ‘Yellow Lady Banks’ and ‘American Beauty.’

To make it easier on yourself and your rose, use clean, sharp scissor-action bypass clippers. And wear heavy-duty gloves to prevent scratching your hands and arms.

Rosarians suggest:

• Examine each rose to determine its pruning needs.

• Remove all dead or diseased canes.

• Remove canes that cross through the center of the plant, those that rub against one another and weak or old canes.

• When removing an entire cane on a grafted rose such as a hybrid tea, cut it smooth with the bud union, the knot at the base of the plant. Do not leave a stub.

• When pruning grafted roses, select three to five vigorous young canes, spaced equally around the bud union, to remain on the bush. These should be at least pencil-size; thumb-size is ideal. Remove the others. Shorten the remaining canes by a third to a half. Also prune root suckers that emerge below the bud union.

• Rosarian Baxter Williams recommends making angled cuts (45-60 degrees) about one-eighth inch above a bud eye on the outside of the cane to encourage outward growth and open the center of the plant to give it more air and light. Short cuts above the eye help discourage the disease known as dieback, he says.

Williams applies a fungicide spray immediately after pruning, repeating at one-week intervals to prevent disease. But that’s optional; you can also grow roses organically with great results, especially if you choose varieties that are naturally disease-resistant such as those designated EarthKind.

kathy [dot] huber [at] chron [dot] com

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Photograph of Valentine’s candy and roses courtesy of Photos.com.

Warmer temperatures can affect the production of chocolate and roses, making the search for the perfect Valentine’s gift even more difficult.

A report by the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) released on Sept. 29, 2011 outlined an increase in temperature due to climate change will adversely impact the production of cocoa in West Africa.

The report states that unless the producers of cocoa are able to adjust for the one degree C (33.8 degrees F) increase in temperature, by 2030 Ghana and Ivory Coast (Cote d’Ivoire) will see declines in cocoa production.

Cocoa beans, used to make chocolate, are harvested from cacao pods. The cacao pods grow on a cacao tree. The tree’s scientific name is Theobroma cacao.

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The cacao tree grows best in shade. A temperature of 77 degrees at all times is ideal for the production of cocoa beans. In addition to the continual warmth, the trees also require rainfall of 40-80 inches per year. The increase in temperature may result in less rainfall.

The cocoa beans grown in Africa account for about 50 percent of the world’s supply.

Roses are another crop that is sensitive to temperature changes. Rose bushes can suffer damage when the temperature falls below 13 degrees C (55.4 degrees F) or exceeds 30 degrees C (86 degrees F).

Ideal daytime growing temperatures for the roses are between 20 degrees C. (68 degrees F) and 28 degrees C (82.4 degrees F).

Roses are often grown in greenhouses, reducing the risk of damage caused by temperature fluctuations.

Without a vast supply of chocolate and roses available on Valentine’s day, gift giving will have to be somewhat more inventive.

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