Nature’s Way Resources is proud to bring you this free weekly newsletter. While we don’t run ads, generous sponsors help support this project as a public service. Their names are listed below, please consider showing your appreciation by supporting their businesses!

Nature’s Way Resources honors the contributions of our late owner, John Ferguson. “The Lazy Gardener” Brenda Beust Smith and Shelby Cassano welcome your feedback and remain grateful to the many horticulturists who share their expertise.

Click here to join our email list

CLICK HERE for PDFs OF PAST LG&F NEWSLETTERS

WOW, MINIATURE ROSES REALLY 

RANG A BELL WITH READERS!

by Brenda Beust Smith | The Lazy Gardener

Responses to BAXTER WILLIAM‘s mention of “Miniature Roses” Spotlight Article in last week’s column are showing how much interest there is now in these gorgeous, tiny space-saving queens of the garden! 

Whether you call them “Miniatures,” “Minifloras” or — the European moniker — “balcony” roses, miniature roses in general are literally thousands of years old. They first (apparently) fascinated ancient Chinese gardeners. These roses are famous for many reasons: so easy to care for, take little space, and grow inside or out (outdoors easily moved inside — or covered — during serious weather). The wide range of new (and old) colors immediately draws the eye, even in winter! Perfect for unused containers, they’re mostly fragrant (not all – ask!), recover quickly from unexpected challenges, and make ideal gifts (especially for limited-space recipients!). 

Have I missed any praise-worthy points? Oh, yes. Outdoors, miniature roses attract butterflies and other pollinators. Many are thorn-free — great for kiddos! (Always check this out.)

Even more praise, plus great growing tips, are provided by Past Houston Rose Society President SUZANNE GILBERT in our Spotlight Article below! 

* * *

Sad that winter’s coming? Like to keep/start a tropical-looking garden year-round? Certainly is possible here . . . with the right plants! Decades ago, my Lazy Gardener’s Guide publisher & overseer, the late Sally McQueen Squire (also known then as Houston’s Bulb Lady), thought it would be fun to include a “Tropical Garden for Winter Beauty”!  

I love “off-the-beaten-path” things and was delighted with her design below. A top-notch general gardening expert, Sally knew what was worth trying in the Greater Houston area (very important criteria!) We got occasional snow back then, too, so she took that into consideration. 

Remember, almost all winter gardening here is a gamble. But a fun one! And this garden includes, on purpose, far more plants than anyone would actually probably want to give readers multiple options:

Too nervous to try without more directions? My Lazy Gardener’s Guide (pdf) also includes Sally’s actual planting advice on this garden. Now available only as. PDF, The Guide is free for the asking. Email request to lazygardenerbrenda@gmail.com.  (PLEASE NOTE: Since this printing, Ruellia & some bamboos have become TOO invasive [try at your own risk]. Also, lower temps may prove a temporary or fatal threat for newer varieties. Like all our gardening decisions these days, no more guarantees! But such fun to experiment!)

* * *

MINIATURE ROSES

PERFECT FOR SO MANY!

By SUZANNE GILBERT

Past President 

HOUSTON ROSE SOCIETY

houstonrose.org

Miniature roses can be hard to find; however, they are perfect for small suburban gardens and growing roses in containers. In Europe, they are called “balcony roses.” Most miniature roses are grown on their own roots. They typically grow 1-3 feet tall. They need 6-8 hours of sun a day.

Another classification of smaller roses is called Minifloras. They grow 2-4 feet tall, and the blooms are similar to a hybrid tea, but smaller.  I have several miniatures and Minifloras that grow in my garden. Current mini stars in my garden are Conundrum, Surprise, Petite Peach, and Petite Pink.

TIPS

• Remember to keep mini roses well watered until established. 
• After the first bloom, use fertilizer at half strength. 
• Keep them well mulched. 
• If a freeze is predicted, mound mulch or leaves on the crown of the plant for protection. 
• For minis in containers, keep them well watered. If a freeze is predicted, cover or move the container to a protected area. 

A few sources:

•  Dave Bang, a rose hybridizer, has several minis for sale through K and M Roses. Call or email to determine availability.
• High Country Roses has a nice selection of miniatures. Right now, many may be out of stock, but available in the spring. You can put your name on a wish list to be notified when your rose is available.
•   Sunblaze® Roses are a new selection of roses produced by Star® Roses and Plants. They are brightly colored miniature roses. Hopefully, we will see them in garden centers this spring.

* * *

 EDITOR’S NOTE: Starting in January 2026 Houston Rose Society meetings will be held every second Saturday of the month at 2pm. Join HRS on Sat., Jan. 10, 2026 at St. Andrews Church (Heights) or virtual on Zoom. Danny Wilson with Farm Dirt will present the program.

* * *

John’s interests ran far and wide; this article contains an eclectic combo from November 2023.

Additional Notes:

• If you can’t help but use outdoor lighting, which most of us in the ‘burbs do, opt for motion detection lights. Amber, orange, and red lights are best for night pollinators because they are less disruptive than blue or white lights.
• “Warmer” lights emit longer wavelengths that are less visible to most nocturnal insects, and you can also use a lower “kelvin” rating (under 3000K) for outdoor LEDs.
• Home composting systems are becoming more popular these days; under-sink and countertop composters are getting more sophisticated, becoming a real option for people with limited time, space, and mobility.
• Local companies like Zero Waste, Moonshot, and Happy Earth offer home pick up for food waste. Companies like Nature’s Way Resources compost it, turning it into organic material fit for the garden! In fact, food waste is one of the 4 main components in our famous Leaf Mold Compost.
• A good old-fashioned compost pile works too for those with the space. (Remember: 2 parts brown to 1 part green, keeps your compost smelling clean!!!)
• John would be happy to see that the fungi leather has really taken off; check out a few companies that are making it happen (not sponsored): innovera-world.com, https://www.mycoworks.com/, https://www.mushroomleathersupply.com/

Shelby Cassaano

Technical Editor

Please take a moment to honor John’s legacy by revisiting his words and sharing in the passion that guided his life’s work.

We encourage readers to request their favorite past articles from John’s Corner to be republished.

WANT EVENT IN RIGHT AWAY? FOLLOW RULES!— ONLY GREATER HOUSTON AREA NONPROFIT GROUP EVENTS —

Expect delay if we must reformat: 3-LINE (max) EXACT FORMAT:

DAY, DATE: TITLE (by NAME if talk), time, site. Sponsor (if not in title). website/phone (NOTE CAPITALS VS lower case)

• Gardening events ONLY! No harvest, cooking, arranging, etc.
• ONLY events sent SPECIFICALLY TO US FOR CALENDAR are used!
• NO events picked up from flyers — NO PDFS! TYPE IN EMAIL ONLY.
• Don’t add city unless not “Houston.” (Don’t add “Houston”)
• Submit to: lazygardenerbrenda@gmail.com. Check published entry!

Download the Newsletter with Our Events Calendar Below!