Wednesday, 9 October 2013

The Amazing World Of Miniature Flowers

By Rhea Solomon


The world of miniature flowers covers more than the tiny roses found in gift shops that you might take to a friend who is ailing. These tiny floral gardens have a range of plants that are not only beautiful but are sometimes pieces of art that you place in the garden or in your home. The varieties of plants can include foxglove, irises, geraniums, lace cap hydrangeas and rhododendrons in all of the colors of the standard plants. Along with the flowering varieties there are a multitude of shrubs and ground cover to choose from.

Probably the most popular by far is the rose. Miniature roses bloom more profusely than their standard sized cousins and can be climbers, trailers or specimen plants. They are usually cultivated in pots for the patio or kept inside when well tended.

There are exotic plants such as the impatiens from Hawaii. They have bright red blossoms edged in orange. These can work well in fairy gardens set up with Irish moss or carpet violets that will bloom with tiny white buds. The mount atlas daisy works well here also with fern like leaves and daisy like flora that will catch the eye of all who pass by it.

Dwarf plants are also included in the mini realm. These plants are kept small by root restriction, intense pruning and genetics. They can be gardenias, irises, snapdragons or popcorn plants to name a few. They stand about two feet tall and have multiple colored blossoms to choose from.

Lastly, we have micro-mini plants. They are the smallest of the miniature plants. They have blossoms that can be less than one inch in width. Roses of this variety have names like bambino or chasin' rainbows and their flowers come in a dazzling array of oranges, reds and yellows. They are the most prized and spectacular of all minis.

The care of mini gardens is much the same as any garden. The same pests and diseases can appear and should be treated accordingly. Organic pesticides, such as diatomaceous earth are recommended for most situations. Roses are treated with the same solutions you would use on a standard sized plant but in lesser amounts.

If you have not been blessed with a green thumb do not despair. The mini-floral culture is still available to you. You can get artificial flowers, bushes and shrubs that look just like the real thing. These substitutes can be created out of silk, cold set clay, glass or plastic beading, or if you've a mind you can make them yourself from cookie dough and frosting. These items are available at any craft store, department stores or on line. They are used just as you would use the growing plants to decorate your home, patio or yard.

One can see why miniature flowers are growing in popularity among people who have limited space for gardens as well as for those who simply would like to feed the whimsical side of their personality by creating a fairy garden or two in the yard. They can also be used in the hobby world with doll houses being so popular and train stations getting the finishing touches from the tiny shrubs and trees that make them seem so authentic.




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