Regional Growing Guide: Southwestern Deserts
From the sunny beaches of California to the blistering deserts of the Southwest, this region is marked by nearly year-round sunshine and little rain. Roses bloom from April through December in the more temperate parts, while they take a rest during August and September in the great deserts, where searing temperatures vary little between day and night. There, roses have two seasons: spring and fall, with peak blooming in April and October. Ample irrigation is key. Soils may be alkaline or sand: it's important to amend with plenty of organic matter. The best roses are heat tolerant, and tend to bear darker leaves and bloom in more intensely saturated colors.
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Recipes - Sugared Rose Petals
Ingredients
1 cup miniature rose petals, various colors
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup water
Cracked ice
Confectioner's sugar
Preparation
Wash organically grown miniature rose petals in clear water and dry on wire racks or paper towels. Trim away tough, bitter ends.
Combine sugar and water in saucepan and boil until mixture reaches 234 degrees F on a candy thermometer. Pour the simple syrup into a bowl that you've set on a bed of cracked ice.
As syrup begins to harden, hold petals with tongs or chopsticks and coat evenly with syrup. Dry sugared petals on waxed paper.
Dust with sifted confectioners or castor (fine grained) sugar. The sugar can be colored with food coloring to match the hue of the petals.
Serve sugared rose petals over ice cream, crème brulee, as decorations on cakes, or as garnish for dessert plates.
Books
If you've ever wondered about companion planting, here's a fun book that explores the topic in detail. Roses Love Garlic: Secrets of Companion Planting with Flowers, by Louise Riotte (Garden Way Publishing, 1998; $15), describes how flowers help or hinder vegetables and other flowers. The book suggests companions for many commonly grown annuals and perennials, plus it discusses the medicinal uses, history, and folklore of many plants.