ROSES ===== CULTIVATION: The rose plants are very prickly, dense, erect, and reach a height of about 6 feet. The flowers are single and delightfully fragrant. The hips, about 1 inch across, ripen in late summer. Roses require full sun and excellent drainage. The soil can be of average quality, but it is a good idea to mix with fertilizer. Keep plant well watered for a couple of weeks. If you cannot find plants to buy, you can propagate you own from greenwood stem cuttings taken in late spring and summer. Plant the cuttings in the garden in the fall when they have a good root system. Probably the best of these is Rosa rugosa and its hybrids. Harvest the rose hip as soon as they are fully grown, firm, and red. Cut off the ends before using . For jam, you should also remove the seeds. Pick buds when formed, petals when first open. Dry petals and buds. CULINARY USES: Many of the species roses produce berry-like, red fruits, called "hips". These are made into tasty jam or soup with a very high vitamin C content Use the scented petals in salads and pies, or make syrup, vinegar, sorbets and sweets. MEDICAL USES: Rose hips contain a significant amount of vitamin C. However much is lost during drying and infusion process. Rose hip tea can help boost cold and flue sufferer's overall vitamin C intake. It may also relieve sore throats, mouth sore, and stomach complains. The active vitamin content varies depending upon which type of rose plant is used, where and how it was harvested, and how it was dried. Rose petals may help shrink inflamed mucous membranes. Rose hips contains organic acids and pectin, which makes them a mild laxative. Fresh rose hips are highly nutritious. Ounce for ounce, rose hip contains more vitamin C then oranges. They also boast an ample supply of vitamin A, which has been found to help boost immunity. WARNING: When picking fresh rose hips, be sure that the rose bush have never been sprayed with pesticides. COSMETIC USES: The flower is the source of rose oil and water.