Beautiful Roses

I have exciting news my latest workbook “Beautiful Roses - a guide to growing, using and enjoying America’s favorite flower” is now available from Ogden publications. Here is the link to order and for more information: https://store.motherearthnews.com/products/beautiful-roses?srsltid=AfmBOoroAwV3nR_H791eGbz17AZQNxUE1r0Rii8sAK33ZOJF_va-54KN

Beautiful Roses book cover

Everyone loves roses in fact for many of us they are the first flower we learn to identify. Many of us have “flower memories” that include roses, A special bouquet, a favorite recipe or a visit to a rose garden while on vacation. Roses are flowers that engage all of our senses their magic and allure is like no other. Here are a few recipes and crafts from this new book project. Enjoy!

Cherry Rose Granola

I love this granola recipe and keep a big jar of it in my kitchen pantry. It makes a quick, healthy breakfast topped with seasonal berries. I add pumpkin seeds and walnuts to mine but feel free to experiment with your own favorite dried fruits and nuts.

Yield: 24 ounces

3 cups whole oats

1 cup walnuts

1/2 cup pistachio nuts

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup maple syrup

1 cup dried cherries

2 tablespoons chopped dried rose petals

Heat the oven to 300 dgrees F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, and seeds. In another bowl, comgine the sugar, oil, and syrup. Heat the mixture on the stovetop or microwave until the sugar is dissolved, stirring well. Pour the sugar mixture over the oat mixture and stir well to coat. Pour out onto the prepared baking pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and stir in the cherries and dried rose petals. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Rose Cane Wreaths

I love making flower wreaths year-round. Create simple wreaths and wreath forms that can be used with other flowers and greens. I use the long “rose runners” to create my wreath bases. Technically roses don’t have runners like other plants do, I am referring to the long, flexible canes that pop. Up from the roots but never produce flowers. These need to be pruned, and they are perfect for making wreaths. Just make sure to wear gloves as they can be prickly. Simply gather up three to six canes and wrap then around a large bucket to form a wreath shape. You can secure them together with wire or garden twine. I also twist and weave them together. I am sure you will find your own way of doing it as that is the fun and challenge of a new craft.

Rose Clay Facial Mask

Natural clay masks are a beauty basic and have been around for centuries. Most natural food stores stock natural clay. For this recipe I prefer to use french green clay but other clays will work equally well.

2 Tablespoons natural clay

1 teaspoon finely ground rose petals or rose powder

1 to 2 Tablespoons rosewater

Mix all ingredients and stir well until smooth. To use: Spread the mixture on clean skin and leave for 15 to 20 minutes. RInse well with warm water, followed by cool water. Pat your skin dry. Splash a little rosewater on your fce after, if desired and do not rinse.

Beautiful Garden Rose

I hope you get a chance to enjoy a rose this year - please feel free to reach out also as I love hearing from all of you and your flower and beauty ideas and stories. You are beautiful and I hope this is the best year for you!

Xoxo Janice