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	<title>Brighter Blooms Nursery Blog</title>
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	<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog</link>
	<description>Information and resources to make you a successful gardener.</description>
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		<title>Fall Flowering Shrub Sale</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/fall-flowering-shrub-sale/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/fall-flowering-shrub-sale/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:41:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Flowering Shrubs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shrubs and Hedges]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=208</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fall is here and so is our 15% flowering shrub sale. With over 50 different plants available, you are sure to find something to fit your needs.
Nursery professionals say that fall is the best time to plant your shrubs and hedges. This ensures your roots have ample time to grow before the heat of summer arrives [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;" align="justify"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-211" title="autumn_porch" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/autumn_porch1.png" alt="Fall Flowering Shrub Sale" width="413" height="115" />Fall is here and so is our 15% <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/flowering-shrubs/">flowering shrub</a> sale. With over 50 different plants available, you are sure to find something to fit your needs.</p>
<p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" align="justify"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">N</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ursery professionals say that fall is the best time to plant your <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/shrubs-hedges">shrubs</a> and hedges. This ensures your roots have ample time to grow before the heat of summer arrives next year.  Even though the shrub may not be growing on the top, you can bet the roots are branching out and establishing their place in your home landscape.  Once spring arrives you will be rewarded with explosive growth, amazing blooms and a large healthy shrub.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" align="justify">Click here for more info on <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2009_11_09/index.html">shrubs and hedges</a></p>
<p style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" align="justify"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></p>
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		<title>Fall Shrub Sale</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/fall-shrub-sale/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/fall-shrub-sale/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:58:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Shrubs and Hedges]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=200</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fall is here and so is our 15% shrub sale. With over 50 different plants available, your are sure to find something to fit your needs.
Nursery professionals say that fall is the best time to plant your shrubs and hedges. This ensures your roots have ample time to grow before the heat of summer arrives next [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-201" title="autumn_porch" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/autumn_porch.png" alt="Fall Shrub Sale" width="472" height="132" />Fall is here and so is our 15% shrub sale. With over 50 different plants available, your are sure to find something to fit your needs.</p>
<p>Nursery professionals say that fall is the best time to plant your shrubs and hedges. This ensures your roots have ample time to grow before the heat of summer arrives next year. Even though the shrub may not be growing on the top, you can bet the roots are branching out and establishing their place in your home landscape. Once spring arrives you will be rewarded with explosive growth, amazing blooms and a large healthy shrub.</p>
<p>for more information on click <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/shrubs-hedges/">shrubs</a> or <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/flowering-shrubs/">flowering shrubs</a> or browse the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2009_10_26/index.html">email</a>&#8230;</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Block Out Summer Heat with our Fastest Growing Shade Tree</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/block-summer-heat-fastest-growing-shade-tree/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/block-summer-heat-fastest-growing-shade-tree/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:20:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Royal Empress Tree]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=195</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Full grown in less than 5 years makes the Royal Empress Tree one of the fastest growing trees in the world. This tree provides you with instant shade and hundreds of fragrant lavender blooms in the spring.
This Empress Tree is a tree you do not have to baby. Just plant in the ground and watch [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-196" title="Emprees Tree" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Emprees-Tree-226x300.jpg" alt="Emprees Tree" width="181" height="240" />Full grown in less than 5 years makes the R<a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/royal-empress-tree.html">oyal Empress Tree</a> one of the fastest growing trees in the world. This tree provides you with instant shade and hundreds of fragrant lavender blooms in the spring.</p>
<p>This <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/royal-empress-tree.html">Empress Tree</a> is a tree you do not have to baby. Just plant in the ground and watch in amazement as it takes off&#8230; growing up to 15 ft. per year. Its huge leaves block out the sun providing you with cooling shade in the summer.</p>
<p>Click here to learn more about <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2009_07_17/index-1.htm">Royal Empress Tree</a>&#8230;</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Flowering Shrub Sale</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/flowering-shrub-sale/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/flowering-shrub-sale/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:32:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Flowering Bushes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flowering Shrubs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=187</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As a thank you for being a previous customer of Brighter Blooms Nursery, we would like to offer you this one-time savings coupon. This coupon code will allow you to shop and receive 10% OFF all items in the store.
Choose from over 300 varieties of flowering shrubs and hedges, perennials, rose bushes and ground covers. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-189" title="Hydrangea_Nikko_220-01" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Hydrangea_Nikko_220-01.jpg" alt="Flowering Shrub Sale" width="220" height="184" />As a thank you for being a previous customer of Brighter Blooms Nursery, we would like to offer you this one-time savings coupon. This coupon code will allow you to shop and receive 10% OFF all items in the store.</p>
<p>Choose from over 300 varieties of <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/flowering-shrubs/">flowering shrubs</a> and hedges, perennials, rose bushes and ground covers. We carry new varieties of Knockout Roses, including the Sunny Knockout Rose and the Double Red Knockout Rose. We also have a huge selection of flowering shrubs, like the Endless Summer Hydrangea that blooms from spring through fall and the Annabelle Hydrangea with its 10&#8243; flowers!</p>
<p>click here to learn more about <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2009_05_27/index.htm">flowering shrubs</a>&#8230;</p>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title></title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/knockout-rose-video/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/knockout-rose-video/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:35:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Knockout Roses]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=181</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
These are the most amazing roses I have ever planted. The Knockout Roses bloom nonstop from spring through frost with absolutely no maintenance. That means no spraying, no picking of spent blooms, just months of bright color.
To learn more, click Knockout Rose&#8230;
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-184" title="ClimbingPinataRose_051408" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/ClimbingPinataRose_051408.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="360" /><br />
These are the most amazing roses I have ever planted. The <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/knockout-roses/">Knockout Roses</a> bloom nonstop from spring through frost with absolutely no maintenance. That means no spraying, no picking of spent blooms, just months of bright color.</p>
<p>To learn more, click <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2009_05_18/index.htm">Knockout Rose</a>&#8230;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Extreme Fragrance from Spring through Fall</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/extreme-fragrance-from-spring-through-fall/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/extreme-fragrance-from-spring-through-fall/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:10:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fragrant Tea Olive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Frost Proof Gardenia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardenia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wisteria]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=175</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[They not only smell great, but they&#8217;re incredibly resistant to pests and diseases. These flowering shrubs and flowering trees are chosen for their incredible resistance to pests and disease, which means you never have to spray. Remember to plant several of these for a wonderful fragrance you can smell from a distance.
To learn more click [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-176" title="Paulow9_small_small" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Paulow9_small_small.jpg" alt="Extreme Fragrance from Spring through Fall" width="210" height="157" />They not only smell great, but they&#8217;re incredibly resistant to pests and diseases. These <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/flowering-shrubs/">flowering shrubs</a> and <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/flowering-trees/">flowering trees</a> are chosen for their incredible resistance to pests and disease, which means you never have to spray. Remember to plant several of these for a wonderful fragrance you can smell from a distance.</p>
<p>To learn more click <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2009_04_27/index.htm">fragrant shrubs</a>&#8230;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Thousands of Daylilies &#8211; Our Problem, Your Answer</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/thousands-daylilies-problem-answer/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/thousands-daylilies-problem-answer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:32:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daylily Bulbs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=170</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last year a friend and local farmer was over run with more than 60,000 daylily bulbs. His grandchildren removed all his plant signs and all his buyers cancelled their orders, since he could no longer tell what varieties they were.
Many people were touched by his story and unfortunate situation. You reached out and you bailed [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Last year a friend and local farmer was over run with more than 60,000 <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/premium-mixed-daylily.html">daylily bulbs</a>. His grandchildren removed all his plant signs and all his buyers cancelled their orders, since he could no longer tell what varieties they were.</p>
<p>Many people were touched by his story and unfortunate situation. You reached out and you bailed him out of a difficult situation.</p>
<p>To learn more click <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2009_04_07/index.htm">Daylilies<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-171" title="daylily_stella-doro_220_1-01" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/daylily_stella-doro_220_1-01.jpg" alt="Thousands of Daylilies   Our Problem, Your Answer" width="220" height="146" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>New Knockout Roses (Fragrant and Classic)</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/knockout-roses-fragrant-classic/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/knockout-roses-fragrant-classic/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:55:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Knockout Roses]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=162</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As with all Knockout Roses, these newest introductions are just as hardy and disease resistant as their cousins.
You get the same great benefits such as: cold tolerant in most climates, never needs spraying, resistant to insect and disease and produces an abundance of blooms for up to 6 months!
Click to learn more about Knockout Rose [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-167" title="pink-knockout-roses1" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/pink-knockout-roses1-150x150.jpg" alt="New Knockout Roses (Fragrant and Classic)" width="150" height="150" />As with all <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/double-red-knockout-rose.html">Knockout Roses</a>, these newest introductions are just as hardy and disease resistant as their cousins.</p>
<p>You get the same great benefits such as: cold tolerant in most climates, never needs spraying, resistant to insect and disease and produces an abundance of blooms for up to 6 months!</p>
<p>Click to learn more about <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2009_03_27/index.htm">Knockout Rose Bushes</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Aromatherapy Sessions all Spring&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/purple-wisteria-vine/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/purple-wisteria-vine/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 14:54:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Wisteria]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=157</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This flowering vine is one tough cookie. Wisteria vines are able to withstand extreme soil conditions and thrives on neglect. Plant in clay, sand and even rocky soils and your Purple Wisteria will exceed your expectations.
To learn more click Wisteria Vines.

]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="style10"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-160" title="Wisteria Vines" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/51r0wa0bvol_sl500_aa280_.jpg" alt="Wisteria Vines" width="280" height="280" /></span><span class="style10">This flowering vine is one tough cookie. <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/purple-wisteria.html">Wisteria vines</a> are able to <strong>withstand extreme</strong></span><span class="style10"><strong> soil conditions</strong> and <strong>thrives on neglect</strong>. </span><span class="style10">Plant in clay, sand and even rocky soils and your <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/purple-wisteria.html">Purple Wisteria</a> will <strong>exceed your expectations</strong>.</span></p>
<p><span class="style10">To learn more click <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2009_03_24/index.htm">Wisteria Vines</a>.<br />
</span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Encore Azaleas</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/encore-azaleas-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/encore-azaleas-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 13:08:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Encore Azaleas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=151</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Yes, I&#8217;m a plant geek. But this is amazing stuff. Nothing adds color like Azaleas. But the best bloomers only last for 2-3 weeks, and then you wait a whole year.
New improved, Encore Azaleas give you a bright, thick mass of color for 3 seasons. Plus you can grow them almost anywhere in the USA. They&#8217;re trouble free [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Yes, I&#8217;m a plant geek. But this is amazing stuff. Nothing adds color like Azaleas. But the best bloomers only last for 2-3 weeks, and then you wait a whole year.<a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2009_03_10/index_1.html"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-152" title="video_screen" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/video_screen.jpg" alt="Encore Azaleas" width="220" height="185" /></a></p>
<p>New improved, <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/encore-azalea-shrubs/">Encore Azaleas</a> give you a bright, thick mass of color for 3 seasons. Plus you can grow them almost anywhere in the USA. They&#8217;re trouble free and extremely easy.</p>
<p>To learn more click <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2009_03_10/index_1.html">Encore Azalea</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<title>Knockout Rose Trees</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/knockout-rose-trees/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/knockout-rose-trees/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 16:39:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Knockout Rose Trees]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Knockout Roses]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=145</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Last summer our nursery manager Paul grew way too many Knockout Rose Trees. Due to a colder than average winter we were unable to sell as many as we had projected for Valentine’s Day.
This is where you come in. We are offering a special 25% discount on low maintenance, easy to grow Knockout Rose Trees. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/rose_tree_dkored_220-01.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-147" title="Knockout Rose Trees" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/rose_tree_dkored_220-01.jpg" alt="Knockout Rose Trees" width="220" height="272" /></a>Last summer our nursery manager Paul grew way too many <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/red-knockout-rose-trees.html">Knockout Rose Trees</a>. Due to a colder than average winter we were unable to sell as many as we had projected for Valentine’s Day.</p>
<p>This is where you come in. We are offering a special 25% discount on low maintenance, easy to grow Knockout Rose Trees. These <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/knockout-roses/">Knockout Roses</a> are resistant to most pests and diseases that affect other types of roses. That means you don’t have to spend your free time spraying, you just plant and enjoy.</p>
<p>To learn more click <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/2_16_09/index.htm">Knockout Rose Trees</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Easily Created Oriental Landscape Accent</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/heavenly-bamboo-nandina/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/heavenly-bamboo-nandina/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:50:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Heavenly Bamboo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nandina Bushes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=137</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
You might think it would be expensive to create an authentic oriental theme.
Some of the commonly used plants like Black Bamboo and Red Japanese Maples are very expensive plants to purchase. You’ll be delighted to know that there is an affordably priced and easy to grow evergreen shrub that works just as well.

The Nandina domestica [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/heavenly-bamboo.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-140" title="Heavenly Bamboo" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/heavenly-bamboo-185x300.jpg" alt="Heavenly Bamboo" width="185" height="300" /></a></p>
<p><strong>You might think it would be expensive to create an authentic oriental theme.</strong><br />
Some of the commonly used plants like Black Bamboo and Red Japanese Maples are very expensive plants to purchase. You’ll be delighted to know that there is an affordably priced and easy to grow evergreen shrub that works just as well.<br />
<strong><br />
The Nandina domestica or <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/domestica-nandina.html">Heavenly Bamboo</a> is really authentic to Asia.</strong><br />
This super drought tolerant plant was actually imported to the US direct from the Orient for its exotic beauty over 100 years ago. The reason it is called Heavenly Bamboo is because the Chinese grow it around their temples. It is common to find these <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/nandina/">Nandina shrubs</a> beside the front doors of their homes. It was thought the shrubs were there to protect the homeowner from bad luck. Actually they are just there for beauty.<br />
<strong><br />
Heavenly Bamboo does well in sun or shade so you can grow it anywhere.</strong><br />
In the Orient, these landscape shrubs are specially clipped to mimic regular bamboo. This is easily done to give an authentic Oriental theme in your landscape too. Just keep all the lower leaves of your <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/nandina/">Nandina bushes</a> clipped off and leave only the top fringe of foliage on each cane. There you have it a fast growing, authentic theme plant discussed as a common shrub.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Add a Touch of the Tropics</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/add-touch-tropics/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/add-touch-tropics/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:08:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Banana Tree]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hardy Banana Tree]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=130</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Don’t think you have to fly to some distant shore to enjoy tropical beauty.
The most cold hardy banana tree in the world is the Basjoo Banana. Actually, bananas aren’t trees but the largest perennial in the world. Their “trunk” is created from tightly packed unfurled leaves that work to form an upright stem. The Basjoo [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!--[endif]--></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Don’t think you have to fly to some distant shore to enjoy tropical beauty.</strong><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;;"><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/image1243.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-131" title="image1243" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/image1243-239x300.jpg" alt="Add a Touch of the Tropics" width="239" height="300" /></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The most cold <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/basjoo-banana.html">hardy banana tree</a> in the world is the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/basjoo-banana.html">Basjoo Banana</a>. Actually, bananas aren’t trees but the largest perennial in the world. Their “trunk” is created from tightly packed unfurled leaves that work to form an upright stem. The Basjoo or fiber banana will thrive even in winter chills of -20<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span>°</span></span>F. So no matter where you live in the US, most likely you can grow ornamental bananas in your yard too.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">
<p><strong>These exciting tropical plants are very easy to grow.</strong></p>
<p>The <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/basjoo-banana.html">Basjoo Banana tree</a> grows so fast it is incredible at 2 feet per week. You can enjoy them in a container where they’ll reach 6-9 feet tall. For that awesome banana tree accent in your cold climate landscape Basjoo will soar to 16 feet tall when planted in the ground. These cold hardy bananas are known to do well all they way up into Canada! If you live in zone 4, it would be a wise idea to mulch the roots heavily for winter. That way, no matter if you have good snow cover or not, your Basjoo Banana will thrive for many years.</p>
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		<title>A Sign that Spring is Coming</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/camellia-shrubs-bring-on-spring/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/camellia-shrubs-bring-on-spring/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:42:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Camellia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Camellia Shrubs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=119</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Camellia shrubs are fast becoming one of the most popular flowering shrubs.
We have selected these varieties to provide you the ability to have a show of blooms from October through April.
That is over 6 months of colorful blooms!
To learn more click Camellia Shrubs&#8230;
]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/camellia_kramers_220_1-01.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-123" title="Camellia Bushes" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/camellia_kramers_220_1-01.jpg" alt="Camellia Bushes" width="220" height="165" /></a><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/camellia-shrubs/">Camellia shrubs</a> are fast becoming one of the most popular flowering shrubs.</p>
<p>We have selected these varieties to provide you the ability to have a show of blooms from October through April.</p>
<p>That is over 6 months of colorful blooms!</p>
<p>To learn more click <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/08_Week41/index.htm">Camellia Shrubs</a>&#8230;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Bright Colored Fall Trees</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/bright-colored-fall-trees/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/bright-colored-fall-trees/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:12:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fall Color]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=114</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here are some of the birghtest and most popular trees for fall color.  These fast growing trees will product a spectacular color this fall.
From the deep red colors of maple trees to the bright yellow foliage of the Tulip Poplar trees, you are sure to find a fall colored tree to fit your home.
To learn [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here are some of the birghtest and most popular trees for fall color.  These fast growing trees will product a spectacular color this fall.</p>
<p>From the deep red colors of <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/maple-trees/">maple trees</a> to the bright yellow foliage of the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/tulip-poplar-trees.html">Tulip Poplar trees</a>, you are sure to find a fall colored tree to fit your home.</p>
<p>To learn more about fall colored trees click <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/08_Week37/index.htm">Fall Color Trees</a><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ridge.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-116" title="Fall Color Trees" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/ridge-300x225.jpg" alt="Fall Color Trees" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Unfortunate Daylily Incident&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/daylily-bulbs-incident/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/daylily-bulbs-incident/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:23:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daylily Bulbs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=108</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A friend and one of the top Daylily breeders in the country let his grandchildren play in his fields during a recent visit.
What a great place for kids to experience.
Unfortunately they pulled up all of his Daylily signs so now he can&#8217;t say for certain what varieties they are. Many are Premium grade, collector quality plants [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/daylilies.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-111" title="Daylily Bulbs" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/daylilies.jpg" alt="Daylily Bulbs" width="248" height="318" /></a>A friend and one of the top Daylily breeders in the country let his grandchildren play in his fields during a recent visit.</p>
<p>What a great place for kids to experience.</p>
<p>Unfortunately they pulled up all of his <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/premium-mixed-daylily.html">Daylily</a> signs so now he can&#8217;t say for certain what varieties they are. Many are Premium grade, collector quality plants that easily sell for $11.95 or more.</p>
<p>Well his buyers canceled orders on 60,000 plants. He just wants to cover his cost.</p>
<p>To read more about this story click <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/08_Week25/index.html">Daylily Bulbs</a>&#8230;</p>
<p>If you have never planted daylilies before click <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/planting-directions/">Planting Directions</a>&#8230;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Deadly Combination (Knockout Rose and Frost Proof Gardenia)</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/knockout-rose-frost-proof-gardenia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/knockout-rose-frost-proof-gardenia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2009 14:09:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Frost Proof Gardenia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Knockout Roses]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=96</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[OK, Apple didn&#8217;t breed the Knockout Roses or Frost Proof Gardenia, but they are amazingly easy to grow. Plant them&#8230; neglect them and they bloom like crazy. No chemicals, no frost cloth, no fuss.
And if your looking for a phone, buy the iPhone. I&#8217;m a technologically illiterate farmer. I refuse to read directions or manuals. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/knockout-roses/"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-98" title="Knockout Roses" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/sunny_knock_out_rose_2-300x225.jpg" alt="Sunny Knockout Rose" width="300" height="225" /></a>OK, Apple didn&#8217;t breed the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/double-red-knockout-rose.html">Knockout Roses</a> or <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/gardenia/">Frost Proof Gardenia</a>, but they are amazingly easy to grow. Plant them&#8230; neglect them and they bloom like crazy. No chemicals, no frost cloth, no fuss.</p>
<p>And if your looking for a phone, buy the iPhone. I&#8217;m a technologically illiterate farmer. I refuse to read directions or manuals. Within minutes I was checking emails, creating maps, getting weather forecasts and making calls.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t you love it when things do what they&#8217;re supposed to do.</p>
<p>To check out more click, <a href="http://brighterblooms.com/Email/08_Week22/Gardenia_1.html">Knockout Roses</a> or <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/08_Week22/Gardenia.html">Frost Proof Gardenia</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Gardenia Shrubs for a Classic Gift</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/gardenia-shrubs-classic-gift/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/gardenia-shrubs-classic-gift/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:40:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Frost Proof Gardenia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardenia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=52</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Fragrant Blooms smother this plant.
Everyone loves Gardenia shrubs, but old varieties can be finicky and not bloom if they get hit with a late frost.
New Frost Proof Gardenias solve these problems, plus give more blooms to enjoy, smell and display. No spraying or babying.

Buy several for a fragrance that can be enjoyed from a distance. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Fragrant Blooms smother this plant.</p>
<p>Everyone loves <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/gardenia/">Gardenia shrubs</a>, but old varieties can be finicky and not bloom if they get hit with a late frost.</p>
<p>New <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/frost-proof-gardenia.html">Frost Proof Gardenias</a> solve these problems, plus give more blooms to enjoy, smell and display. No spraying or babying.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/gardenia_frostproof2.swf"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-53" title="gardenia_frostproof_video_232" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/gardenia_frostproof_video_232.jpg" alt="Gardenia Shrubs for a Classic Gift" width="238" height="138" /></a></p>
<p>Buy several for a fragrance that can be enjoyed from a distance. Plant near a patio or window. They also make great property dividers. These are new and improved varieties you can&#8217;t find in stores.</p>
<p>To learn more about <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/08_Week17/MothersDay_Email.html">Frost Proof Gardenias</a>, click the link&#8230;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Encore Azaleas Bloom up to 9 Months</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/encore-azaleas-bloom-9-months/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/encore-azaleas-bloom-9-months/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:13:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Azalea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Encore Azaleas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=48</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Yes, I&#8217;m a plant geek. But this is amazing stuff. Nothing adds color like Azaleas. But the best bloomers only last for 2-3 weeks, and then you wait a whole year.
New improved, Encore Azaleas give you a bright, thick mass of color for 3 seasons. Plus you can grow them almost anywhere in the USA. They&#8217;re trouble free [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Yes, I&#8217;m a plant geek. But this is amazing stuff. Nothing adds color like <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/encore-azalea-shrubs/">Azaleas</a>. But the best bloomers only last for 2-3 weeks, and then you wait a whole year.</p>
<p>New improved, <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/encore-azalea-shrubs/">Encore Azaleas</a> give you a bright, thick mass of color for 3 seasons. Plus you can grow them almost anywhere in the USA. They&#8217;re trouble free and extremely easy.</p>
<p>Read more about the amazing <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/08_Week16/index.html">Encore Azaleas</a>&#8230;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Grandchildren turn $11.95 Daylilies into 1.99 ones.</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/mischeivious-grandchildren-turn-1195-daylilies-99/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/mischeivious-grandchildren-turn-1195-daylilies-99/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:40:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Daylily Bulbs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=41</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A friend and one of the top Daylily breeders in the country let his grandchildren play in his fields during a recent visit.
What a great place for kids to experience.
Unfortunately they pulled up all of his Daylily signs so now he can&#8217;t say for certain what varieties they are. Many are Premium grade, collector quality [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-45" title="Premium Mixed Daylilies" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/daylily_premium_mixed_220-01-150x300.jpg" alt="Premium Mixed Daylilies" width="150" height="300" />A friend and one of the top <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/premium-mixed-daylily.html">Daylily</a> breeders in the country let his grandchildren play in his fields during a recent visit.</p>
<p>What a great place for kids to experience.</p>
<p>Unfortunately they pulled up all of his Daylily signs so now he can&#8217;t say for certain what varieties they are. Many are Premium grade, collector quality plants that easily sell for $11.95 or more.</p>
<p>Click here to find out more information about <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/08_Week11/index.html">daylily bulbs</a>&#8230;</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Camellia Shrubs</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/camellia-shrubs/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/camellia-shrubs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:04:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Camellia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Camellia Shrubs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=34</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Enjoy spring a month early. These Camellias are the first to bloom and will give you 2 months of colorful flowers. Beautiful green foliage adds interest all year round. These large blooms appear before most shrubs have even thought about flowering.
Camellia shrubs are extremely drought and disease resistant, you just plant and forget.
Click here to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_37" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 160px"><img href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/yuletide-camellia.html" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-37" title="Yuletide Camellia" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/yuletide_camellia_wordpress-150x150.jpg" alt="Yuletide Camellia in bloom" width="150" height="150" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Yuletide Camellia in bloom</p></div>
<p>Enjoy spring a month early. These <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/camellia-shrubs/">Camellias</a> are the first to bloom and will give you 2 months of colorful flowers. Beautiful green foliage adds interest all year round. These large blooms appear before most shrubs have even thought about flowering.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/camellia-shrubs/">Camellia shrubs</a> are extremely drought and disease resistant, you just plant and forget.</p>
<p>Click here to learn more about <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/08_Week7/index.html">Camellia shrubs</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Encore Azaleas</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/encore-azaleas/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/encore-azaleas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:24:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Encore Azaleas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=19</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Yes, I&#8217;m a plant geek. But this is amazing stuff. Nothing adds color like Azaleas. But the best bloomers only last for 2-3 weeks, and then you wait a whole year.
New improved, Encore Azaleas give you a bright, thick mass of color for 3 seasons. Plus you can grow them almost anywhere in the USA. They&#8217;re trouble free [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-21" title="Encore Azaleas" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/deta-597-206x300.jpg" alt="Encore Azaleas" width="142" height="206" />Yes, I&#8217;m a plant geek. But this is amazing stuff. Nothing adds color like Azaleas. But the best bloomers only last for 2-3 weeks, and then you wait a whole year.</p>
<p>New improved, <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/encore-azalea-shrubs/">Encore Azaleas</a> give you a bright, thick mass of color for 3 seasons. Plus you can grow them almost anywhere in the USA. They&#8217;re trouble free and extremely easy.</p>
<p>Click to learn more about <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/Email/08_Week16/index.html">Encore Azaleas</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Rich Wall Covering for the Great Outdoors</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/rich-wall-covering-for-the-great-outdoors/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/rich-wall-covering-for-the-great-outdoors/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:37:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boston Ivy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/?p=16</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Soften the harsh look of any masonry structure with the Boston Ivy plant.
Brick, stone and concrete walls are without a doubt the ones that will withstand the elements for the longest span of time. Sometimes, too much of a good thing is too monotonous. You can add ambiance a towing brick building.  Or add [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Soften the harsh look of any masonry structure with the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/boston-ivy.html">Boston Ivy plant</a>.</span><br />
Brick, stone and concrete walls are without a doubt the ones that will withstand the elements for the longest span of time. Sometimes, too much of a good thing is too monotonous. You can add ambiance a towing brick building.  Or add warmth to the barrier presented by privacy walls.<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />
You can rapidly add ageless beauty to even the most unattractive walls.</span><br />
Boston Ivy will quickly climb and fill in large areas with dark, glossy green leaves from spring to fall. When the chill of autumn fills the air, the entire plant will be radiant red. Imagine this striking accent against the bright yellows and gold fall foliage of shade trees. This easy to grow climber will hold onto those showy leaves longer than many other deciduous plants.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Boston Ivy plants are easy to grow.</span><br />
Sometimes called Cottage Ivy or Boston Creeper, this beautiful plant does well even in poor soil. Once established, it has good drought tolerance and can adapt to a wide range of climate conditions. In the northern reaches of its hardiness zone, <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/boston-ivy.html">Boston Ivy</a> can be late at leafing out. The richness of those large, shiny leaves makes it well worth the wait. This plant is very popular for disguising unattractive building designs in many locations.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight:bold;">You won’t need to invest a lot of money to soften or cover a cold or ugly wall.</span><br />
When given the space to spread without restriction, one plant can get up to 50 feet wide over time. You don’t want to grow this on painted surfaces. It is best to plant at least 15 feet away from any such area. The chemicals in the roots of the climber will destroy the paint. In some design themes, this age-old appearance may lend great flair to a time worn patina. Shabby chic is just as wonderful inside as it is in your outdoor living areas.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight:bold;">When shopping for Boston Ivy, you will want to look for larger plants.</span><br />
Some nurseries will state that you should plant one every two feet for quick coverage. In truth, you will have much more pleasant results if you <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/boston-ivy.html">buy Boston Ivy</a> plants that have well developed root systems. To enjoy the beauty faster, you will want to start out with plants that already a 1-gallon size and plant them at least 10-12 feet apart.</p>
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		<title>Opulent Spring Bloom Queen</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/opulent-spring-bloom-queen/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/opulent-spring-bloom-queen/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:57:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chinese Snowball Bush]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Snowball Bush]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Viburnum]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[
The beauty of spring is enriched with these big, beautiful flowers.
Professional designers will often find a spot for the Snowball Viburnum (Viburnum opulus) in almost any landscape they work on. This large shrub has many points of interest. Beginning with the white ball-type flowers up to 5 inches across. Flowering so thickly, the plant will [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hDSkxAU6LjM/SWy6qwQb7ZI/AAAAAAAAACM/GulufR-QeNY/s1600-h/Viburnum_Roseum_220_3-01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290808905924603282" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hDSkxAU6LjM/SWy6qwQb7ZI/AAAAAAAAACM/GulufR-QeNY/s320/Viburnum_Roseum_220_3-01.jpg" border="0" alt="Opulent Spring Bloom Queen"  title="Opulent Spring Bloom Queen Photo" /></a><br />
The beauty of spring is enriched with these big, beautiful flowers.<br />
Professional designers will often find a spot for the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/chinese-snowball-bush.html">Snowball Viburnum</a> (Viburnum opulus) in almost any landscape they work on. This large shrub has many points of interest. Beginning with the white ball-type flowers up to 5 inches across. Flowering so thickly, the plant will look like a late spring snow bank.</p>
<p>The foliage of the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/chinese-snowball-bush.html">Snowball Bush</a> offers good textural interest.<br />
All plants are attractive in flower, but those that have outstanding leaves can heighten the any landscape design. The foliage of this Viburnum resembles three-lobed maple leaves. The coloring will be rich, attractive green over the summer months. As cooler weather arrives in fall, each leaf will turn to sun kissed gold.</p>
<p>For a long-lived shrub where height is needed, this is an excellent plant.<br />
The <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/chinese-snowball-bush.html">Chinese Snowball Bush</a> is not only attractive; you will find it very easy to grow. This Viburnum will adapt to a wide variety of soils and growing conditions. These shrubs are quite drought tolerant once established and mature to 8-10 feet tall and wide. You will get the best flowering results when planting this bush in full sun, though it tolerates quite a bit of shade. Viburnums grown in a mostly shady situation will not flower at all.</p>
<p>The Snowball Viburnum works well with many other plants in your landscaping.<br />
To establish a really dazzling early season display, you can pair this beautiful shrub up with almost any other same time bloomer. Consider creating a planting that also features Encore Azaleas and some low growing purple leaved shrubs such as Crimson Pygmy Barberry. To really heighten the beauty of such a landscape planting, add a few perennials to extend the beauty through the season.</p>
<p>You will love the changing beauty of this deciduous shrub in your yard.<br />
The hummingbirds will be most delighted with your choice in plants and feed on the blossoms. Once spent, the flowers of <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/chinese-snowball-bush.html">Snowball Bush</a> produce brilliant red berries as a bonus color point. Birds are attracted to the berries as a source of food.</p>
<p>It’s hard to find a landscape plant with so many benefits to offer your yard.<br />
Now you can easily understand why a professional designer will seek out the right spot to include this shrub in almost every yard. The Snowball Viburnum is wonderful as a tall specimen plant or planted as a hedge. It grows rapidly and will fill to offer warm season privacy where it many be needed.</p>
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		<title>What will they do next with Knock Out Roses?</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/what-will-they-do-next-with-knock-out-roses/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/what-will-they-do-next-with-knock-out-roses/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Knockout Roses]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[


This is definitely the smartest rose on the planet.

 
Not all roses are created equal.
If you have shied away from plating roses in your yard because they require so much coddling, we don’t blame you a bit. Who has time for all that tedious, finicky behavior? Everyone loves roses as a flower but most refuse [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hDSkxAU6LjM/SMrS-K-P2zI/AAAAAAAAABA/vVPYVXGT9qw/s1600-h/Rose_PinkDKO_220_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245236681565526834" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hDSkxAU6LjM/SMrS-K-P2zI/AAAAAAAAABA/vVPYVXGT9qw/s320/Rose_PinkDKO_220_1.jpg" border="0" alt="What will they do next with Knock Out Roses?"  title="What will they do next with Knock Out Roses? Photo" /></a></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning /> <w:validateagainstschemas /> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables /> <w:snaptogridincell /> <w:wraptextwithpunct /> <w:useasianbreakrules /> <w:dontgrowautofit /> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><br />
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<p><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>This is definitely the smartest rose on the planet.</em></span></p>
<p><em></em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em> </em></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Not all roses are created equal.</strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">If you have shied away from plating roses in your yard because they require so much coddling, we don’t blame you a bit. Who has time for all that tedious, finicky behavior? Everyone loves roses as a flower but most refuse to be a slave to their plants. Just as with anything else, if you wait a while, a vast improved specimen will come along and change everything.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>They named it Knockout for a lot of good reasons.</strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">All roses are beautiful. As performers in your yard the majority tend to fall short of low maintenance. Many rose bushes only flower once a year. Shrub roses are your best bet for low maintenance and reblooming beauty. While there are some great landscape roses available, none of them holds a candle to the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/knockout-roses/">Knockout Rose</a>. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Excellent disease resistance makes this one brainy plant.</strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">All shrub or landscape roses are disease resistant, but resistant and excellent resistance is two different things. <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/knockout-roses/">Knock Out Rose</a> also have exceptionally large flowers for the shrub rose family with showy clusters of blooms opening repeatedly from early summer right through to hard frost. The individual blooms on <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/double-pink-knockout-rose.html">Pink Double Knock Out Rose </a> measure 3.5”-4” across and lightly fragrant with an expected rosy aroma.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Maintains great shape with only a minimal clipping.</strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/knockout-roses/">Knockout Roses</a> are naturally a compact and tidy flowering shrub with the blooms forming on new growth at the tips of the stems. Knockouts grow to 3’-4’ high and wide and will flower at maximum proportions in full, hot sun. You can grow your <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/double-red-knockout-rose.html">Red Double Knockout Rose</a> in part sun, but bear in mind that you will have less flowers. Roses should always be planted with good drainage to prevent root rot from waterlogged soils.</span></p>
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		<title>Azaleas and Rhododendron are Cousins?</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/azaleas-and-rhododendron-are-cousins/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/azaleas-and-rhododendron-are-cousins/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:21:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Azalea]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rhododendron]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shrubs and Hedges]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/azaleas-and-rhododendron-are-cousins/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[





Did you know that Rhododendrons and Azaleas are close kin?
 
Confusion in family tree is revealed.
If the tag on your new Azalea says that it is a Rhododendron, it isn’t an error. Rhododendrons have eight distinct divisions, two of which are actually what we call Azaleas. You have evergreen azaleas (Rhododendron Tsutsusi), of which there [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hDSkxAU6LjM/SMrTM1rcR_I/AAAAAAAAABI/6OMHiFEnzkM/s1600-h/Autumn_Angel_Encore_Azalea_220-01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245236933547542514" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hDSkxAU6LjM/SMrTM1rcR_I/AAAAAAAAABI/6OMHiFEnzkM/s320/Autumn_Angel_Encore_Azalea_220-01.jpg" border="0" alt="Azaleas and Rhododendron are Cousins?"  title="Azaleas and Rhododendron are Cousins? Photo" /></a></p>
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<p><!--[endif]--><br />
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<p><!--[endif]--></p>
<p class="MsoBodyText"><span style="font-size:85%;">Did you know that Rhododendrons and Azaleas are close kin?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong> </strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Confusion in family tree is revealed.</strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">If the tag on your new Azalea says that it is a <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/rhododendron-shrubs/">Rhododendron</a>, it isn’t an error. <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/rhododendron-shrubs/">Rhododendrons</a> have eight distinct divisions, two of which are actually what we call Azaleas. You have evergreen azaleas (<em>Rhododendron Tsutsusi)</em>, of which there are about 100 different species that originated in the Orient. Then there are the deciduous azaleas <em>(Rhododendron Pentanthera)</em>, which represents only about 18 different species that are native to North Am</span><span style="font-size:85%;">erica. The family tree gets a bit more mixed than that but those are not important at this moment.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>DNA studies show long line of evolution at play.</strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Following the recent discovery of a new native <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/encore-azalea-shrubs/">Azalea</a> in Alabama, genetic studies of that shrub’s DNA have led horticulture scientists to test surprising results. The natural splicing of the newly discovered plant’s genes show them that it very well may have evolved to this new species from a well known existing native azalea. The actions of the birds and bees have been causing the evolution of many plants into completely new forms as far back as we have records.</span><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hDSkxAU6LjM/SMrTQg9z2RI/AAAAAAAAABQ/j0XpqnspVC4/s1600-h/Autumn_Embers_Encore_Azalea_125-01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5245236996706916626" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hDSkxAU6LjM/SMrTQg9z2RI/AAAAAAAAABQ/j0XpqnspVC4/s320/Autumn_Embers_Encore_Azalea_125-01.jpg" border="0" alt="Azaleas and Rhododendron are Cousins?"  title="Azaleas and Rhododendron are Cousins? Photo" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Louisiana</strong><strong> man reinvents the Azalea wheel.</strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">Plant evolution in nature takes eons. Plant enthusiasts experimenting with crossbreeding can finish the process in record time. The most superior Azalea ever to appear is the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/encore-azalea-shrubs/">Encore Azalea</a> collection. If it weren’t for Robert Lee whose love of <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/encore-azalea-shrubs/">Azaleas</a> and curiosity over breeding them we would still have only azaleas that bloom in the spring. In a mere 15 years o</span><span style="font-size:85%;">f breeding and test trials, Mr. Lee has brought us a blooming wonder that just cannot stop performing until frost sets in.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>Encore Azaleas outshine traditional azalea traits.</strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:85%;">The first Encore Azalea selections were available for purchase in 1997. By 2002, the work of Mr. Lee and Plant Development Services, Inc. had a total of 13 different shrubs to choose from. Today the Encore Azalea Autumn series offers an astounding 23 different superior shrubs. All of them are evergreen azaleas that begin blooming in spring and continue to repeat the beauty until frost takes out the flowers. <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/encore-azalea-shrubs/">Encore Azaleas</a> cover shrub sizes from demure to robust in a dazzling variety of colors.</span></p>
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		<title>Heavenly Bloomer Misdiagnosed</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/heavenly-bloomer-misdiagnosed/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/heavenly-bloomer-misdiagnosed/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:23:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Flowering Vines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fragrant Vines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vines]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wisteria]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/heavenly-bloomer-misdiagnosed/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#8220;To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven &#8230; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.&#8221; Ecclesiastes 3:1
Would you consider your Maple tree as an invasive and dreadful nuisance?
The number one sold shade tree in America and yet those whirlybird [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/purple-wisteria.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242528702203429714" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_hDSkxAU6LjM/SME0FBugA1I/AAAAAAAAAAg/eeimMVxQHNU/s320/Wisteria_Purple_220_1.jpg" border="0" alt="Heavenly Bloomer Misdiagnosed"  title="Heavenly Bloomer Misdiagnosed Photo" /></a><em>&#8220;To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven &#8230; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.&#8221; Ecclesiastes 3:1</em></p>
<p><strong>Would you consider your Maple tree as an invasive and dreadful nuisance?</strong><br />
The number one sold shade tree in America and yet those whirlybird seeds can create a forest without some cleanup when they fall. No one plants a shrub around the foundation of their house without expecting to do some clipping to keep it in control. It is common sense to not allow bushes to cover up the windows or creep under the siding.</p>
<p><strong>Good judgment and common sense are used to avoid problems.</strong><br />
Thousands of plants left unchecked, could be labeled as invasive. Yet with common sense and timely tricks, they are not the thugs you can be led to believe. To do away with one of the most fabulous heralds of spring would surely be a crime.</p>
<p><strong>Wisteria in bloom is a blessing of spring.</strong><br />
You can keep this vine in check with a couple simple tasks. First use good sense when selecting where you plant it. This extremely<a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/fragrant-vines/"> fragrant vine</a> can be trained as a tree with staking and grown in the open where it cannot climb desired trees or creep into your gutters. Plan ahead if you want to grow wisteria on a structure like an arbor. You want sturdy, metal construction that will withstand the weight and twisting nature of the plant.</p>
<p><strong>You&#8217;ve got to stand for something or you&#8217;ll fall for anything.</strong><br />
The right time for trimming a <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/purple-wisteria.html">wisteria</a>: a light trimming in July and a heavy pruning in October &#8211; January. To keep the plant from sending up running shoots simply prune the roots with a sharp spade to a depth of 18&#8243; all the way around the trunk at 4-ft. out. Root pruning should be done in late fall and also can make the vine produce more flowers with less top growth.</p>
<p><strong>What makes most wisterias not flower?</strong><br />
In the north (zone 5 and colder), a harsh spring can freeze the buds forming in the stems. The most common cause of not getting flowers is the fertilizers used. <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/purple-wisteria.html">Wisteria</a> does not use nitrogen. To coax it to flower or even flower more profusely use a combination of root pruning and a heavy dose of super phosphate fertilizer. Another recommended method is a severe pruning in early spring, which can reward you with a bumper crop of blooms.</p>
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		<title>Get Extreme Fragrance From Gardenia Shrubs</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/get-extreme-fragrance-from-a-gardenia/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/get-extreme-fragrance-from-a-gardenia/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:19:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Flowering Shrubs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gardenia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shrubs and Hedges]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/get-extreme-fragrance-from-a-gardenia/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The curiosity and determination of plant breeders bring continual delights.
Reinventing the wheel occupies many a curious professional mind.
The creation of new and improved long ago spread into the world of ornamental plants. Each spring homeowners looking to improve their yards and gardening buffs hunting for the next big thing shop for the easiest to grow [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/frost-proof-gardenia.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242528390978192018" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_hDSkxAU6LjM/SMEzy6UnwpI/AAAAAAAAAAY/8o-N-LZISoQ/s320/Gardenia_Frost_Proof_220.jpg" border="0" alt="Get Extreme Fragrance From Gardenia Shrubs"  title="Get Extreme Fragrance From Gardenia Shrubs Photo" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">The curiosity and determination of plant breeders bring continual delights.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Reinventing the wheel occupies many a curious professional mind.</span><br />
The creation of new and improved long ago spread into the world of ornamental plants. Each spring homeowners looking to improve their yards and gardening buffs hunting for the next big thing shop for the easiest to grow and most beautiful plants they can locate. Everyone looks forward to the new colors and easier to grow ornamental plants that arrive on the scene each season.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Flower lovers everywhere attempt to grow this plant.</span><br />
The exotic fragrance and pure, snowy blossoms of the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/gardenia/">Gardenia</a><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/gardenia/"> bush</a> make it a favorite <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/flowering-shrubs/">flowering shrub</a> of florists. As a houseplant or in the landscape, the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/frost-proof-gardenia.html">Gardenia plant</a> has always been finicky and heavily dependent on chemical sprays. The powerful scent makes the plant the envy of every person who cannot grow them in their yard. Until recent improvements, this was a plant that only very warm climate gardeners could enjoy the scent of in their personal space.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Southern scentsation improved for the north.</span><br />
It took only one plant specialist, Don Kleim of Henderson Experimental Gardens in California to discover one particularly cold tolerant <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/frost-proof-gardenia.html">Gardenia shrub</a> in the crowd. After some thorough testing around the country, <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/gardenia/">Gardenia</a> jasminoides &#8216;Kleim&#8217;s Hardy&#8217; came on the market. This Gardenia is known for holding its flower buds even through a spring frost. He later developed a similar cultivar known as &#8216;Frost Proof&#8217; Gardenia.</p>
<p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nothing ever stays the same &#8211; in life or plants.</span><br />
Every season brings us new and exciting plants for our yards and gardens. <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/gardenia/">Frost Proof Gardenia</a> is the new <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/frost-proof-gardenia.html">Gardenia bush</a> for success and the reward of fragrance all the way into zone 6. These <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/gardenia/">Gardenia plants</a> may suffer a little frost burn on the leaves, but the flower buds will hang on. Frost Proof Gardenia is one hothouse flower that can take the heat and the cold. You&#8217;ll have the heady fragrance of that singular perfume from spring into fall with this cold hardy Gardenia plant.</p>
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		<title>Selecting the Perfect Rhododendron for Your Landscape</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/selecting-the-perfect-rhododendron-for-your-landscape/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/selecting-the-perfect-rhododendron-for-your-landscape/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Flowering Shrubs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rhododendron]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shrubs and Hedges]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/selecting-the-perfect-rhododendron-for-your-landscape/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[





Whether you’re looking to add some color to the garden, create a flowering privacy screen, or plant a new focal point for the front yard, a Rhododendron is a perfect selection that millions of gardeners love and recommend.
Before selecting a Lavender Rhododendron or Azalea, be sure to gather some general knowledge about your local climate [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/lavender-rhododendron.html" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242529510777276146" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hDSkxAU6LjM/SME00F5hxvI/AAAAAAAAAAo/WXXykqp3vCQ/s320/Rhododendron_Lavender_220_1.jpg" border="0" alt="Selecting the Perfect Rhododendron for Your Landscape"  title="Selecting the Perfect Rhododendron for Your Landscape Photo" /></a></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Whether you’re looking to add some color to the garden, create a flowering privacy screen, or plant a new focal point for the front yard, a <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/rhododendron-shrubs/">Rhododendron</a> is a perfect selection that millions of gardeners love and recommend.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before selecting a <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/lavender-rhododendron.html">Lavender Rhododendron</a> or Azalea, be sure to gather some general knowledge about your local climate and temperature conditions.<span> </span>Be sure that your USDA growing zone is proper for the shrub of your choice.<span> </span>Information about your area’s soil, sun, and growing conditions is also essential.<span> </span>You can typically gather this information from the internet, a local nursery, or even other experienced gardeners in your area.<span> </span>Knowledge is power, and having a good deal of knowledge about your location’s gardening conditions will make selecting your <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/white-rhododendron.html">White Rhododendron</a> more simplified, and also prevent you from falling in love with a plant that you cannot cultivate in your location.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In addition to this factual information, you may wish to discuss <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/red-rhododendron.html">Red Rhododendron</a>s with local gardeners in your area.<span> </span>Find out which varieties they have found to be successful where you live, as well as their recommendations are for care and maintenance.<span> </span>Typically, local gardeners will also be able to give you specific information about how long you can expect blooms, etc. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this in person, get on the internet and locate a gardening forum for your area that you can participate in.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Once you have an idea of what you like and what will work in your location, visit or investigate the nursery of your choice.<span> </span>Local nurseries will have a limited selection of <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/yellow-rhododendron.html">Yellow Rhododendron</a> on hand; however they will be “tried and true” varieties that the nursery has found to be ideal for your area.<span> </span>However, bare in mind that some nurseries stick to “what works” and don’t update their inventory as fast as new and improved cultivars are being developed.<span> </span>So just because the variety you are interested in is not available at your local nursery, this does not mean it won’t work for your area.<span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Again, this is why knowledge is power.<span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If the nurseries in your area do not carry the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/lavender-rhododendron.html">Rhododendron</a> or <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/encore-azalea-shrubs/">Azalea</a> that you like, consider an online nursery.<span> </span>Not only will you find a vast selection of shrubs, you will also have the convenience of having them delivered to your door.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Following these simple steps should allow you to select the ideal Rhododendron for your yard.<span> </span>Your new flowering shrub will provide you with beauty and joy for years to come.</p>
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		<title>Encore Azaleas Bloom up to 9 Month a Year</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/encore-azaleas-bloom-up-to-9-month-a-year/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/encore-azaleas-bloom-up-to-9-month-a-year/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 May 2008 17:08:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Encore Azaleas]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/encore-azaleas-bloom-up-to-9-month-a-year/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Encore Azaleas bloom up to 9 months a year, while improving your landscape and increasing your property value.  The dwarf compact size of Encore Azalea shrubs makes it the perfect flowering shrub. Encore Azaleas also grow in most areas of the United States.

]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/encore-azalea-shrubs/">Encore Azaleas</a> bloom up to 9 months a year, while improving your landscape and increasing your property value.  The dwarf compact size of <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/autumn-embers-encore-azalea.html">Encore Azalea shrubs</a> makes it the perfect <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/flowering-shrubs/">flowering shrub</a>. Encore Azaleas also grow in most areas of the United States.</p>
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		<title>Evergreens for Year Round Color</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/evergreens-for-year-round-color/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/evergreens-for-year-round-color/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:18:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Privacy Evergreen Shrubs]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/evergreens-for-year-round-color/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We all know at least one person whose yard looks like a barren wasteland in winter. Their perennials and annuals have died back, and their shrubs and bushes are bare sticks. Becoming the proprietor of such a dismal landscape, however, is quite easily avoided with just a bit of foresight. If you want year round [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/images/P/Azalea_CoralBells_220_1-01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 247px; height: 163px;" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/images/P/Azalea_CoralBells_220_1-01.jpg" border="0" alt="Evergreens for Year Round Color"  title="Evergreens for Year Round Color Photo" /></a>We all know at least one person whose yard looks like a barren wasteland in winter. Their perennials and annuals have died back, and their shrubs and bushes are bare sticks. Becoming the proprietor of such a dismal landscape, however, is quite easily avoided with just a bit of foresight. If you want year round color, it is essential that when selecting <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/shrubs-hedges/">shrubs and hedges</a> that you ensure what you are purchasing is an evergreen.</p>
<div id="body">
<p>When you hear the word &#8220;evergreen&#8221;, you may think of boring green shrubs with no personality. But planting an evergreen landscape does not have to mean a lifetime of ordinary green foliage. There are dozens of bright, colorful selections to choose from. And there is an evergreen option for any area, regardless of the location or purpose of the planting.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/flowering-shrubs/">Flowering shrubs</a> are probably the best example of how you can plant a yard full of evergreens and simultaneously have the prettiest, most inviting landscape in town. Plant an assortment of <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/encore-azalea-shrubs/">encore azaleas</a>, <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/rhododendron-shrubs/">rhododendron</a>, and <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/camellia-shrubs/">camellia</a> and you&#8217;ll have a yard bursting with blooms of every color. Best of all, as evergreens, they will still be lush and green even in the coldest months of the year.</p>
<p>If a flowery landscape isn&#8217;t quite what you&#8217;re going for, but you&#8217;re still looking for a burst of color, choose an evergreen with some punchy fall color, like the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/chinese-fringe-flower-loropetalum/">Loropetalum</a> or <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/nandina/">Nandina</a>. These gorgeous shrubs turn all different shades of red and purple during the fall season.</p>
<p>And for those out there that would really prefer a simple landscape with some basic evergreens, then juniper, boxwood, and yew will always be classic selections.</p></div>
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		<title>Winter Blooming Shrubs And Perennials</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/winter-blooming-shrubs-and-perennials/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/winter-blooming-shrubs-and-perennials/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Winter Bloomers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/winter-blooming-shrubs-and-perennials/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While homeowners all across the country drop thousands of dollars on landscaping each year, few take into account just what their yard will look like in the cold winter months. Plants tend to die back and trees go dormant, creating a dismal landscape that one must contend with all winter long. This can be avoided [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While homeowners all across the country drop thousands of dollars on landscaping each year, few take into account just what their yard will look like in the cold winter months. Plants tend to die back and trees go dormant, creating a dismal landscape that one must contend with all winter long. This can be avoided however, if during your initial landscaping plans you choose to include and put emphasis on shrubs and perennials that will provide visual interest in the wintertime.</p>
<div id="body">
<p>One of the most effective ways to go about this is to plant <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/shrubs-hedges/">shrubs and hedges </a> and perennials that bloom during the winter months. Unlike standard evergreens that few people pay attention to, these unique winter blooming specimens will delight your visitors and bring color and warmth to an otherwise cold and barren landscape.</p>
<p>Quite famous for its winter blossoms is the Lenten Rose, or Helleborus. This gorgeous perennial boasts large, almost tropical looking flowers that bloom in late winter. You can find Lenten Rose in a few different colors, making it easy to coordinate with your current landscape. Those in search of a beautiful winter bloomer typically find what they are looking for with Helleborus.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/images/P/Camellia_Kramers_220_1-01.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 181px;" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/images/P/Camellia_Kramers_220_1-01.jpg" border="0" alt="Winter Blooming Shrubs And Perennials"  title="Winter Blooming Shrubs And Perennials Photo" /></a>However, your winter interest selections go far beyond the Lenten Rose. According to Justin French, Project Manager of Bright Blooms Nursery, <a id="link_78" href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/camellia-shrubs/" target="_new">Camellia</a> are just as good a selection, with plenty of colors from which to choose! &#8220;Camellias come in an immense array of colors. There is little to no chance that you will not find at least one Camellia you can&#8217;t go without.&#8221; French explains what make the Camellias such a good choice for homeowners seeking to add blooms to there landscape in the winter months. <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/camellia-shrubs/">Camellia sasanqua</a> is the fall-winter blooming variety of Camellia and will provide large richly colored blossoms to really draw attention to your landscape. However, if you happen to fall in love with a <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/camellia-shrubs/">Camellia japonica</a> variety, which is the spring variety of Camellia, these will work for you also. They have been known to bloom in late winter.&#8221; French also recommends <a id="link_79" href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/chinese-fringe-flower-loropetalum/" target="_new">Loropetalum</a> and Aster for their cold hardy blooms.</div>
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		<title>Shrubs and Hedges to Protect Against Cold Winter Winds</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/shrubs-and-hedges-to-protect-against-cold-winter-winds/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/shrubs-and-hedges-to-protect-against-cold-winter-winds/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Winter Bloomers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/shrubs-and-hedges-to-protect-against-cold-winter-winds/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Due to the steady rise in heating and cooling costs over the past decade, homeowners are taking advantage of every money saving idea that comes there way. One of the most popular methods in recent years is landscaping for energy efficiency. Shade trees that block the sun and lower air conditioning bills and privacy screens [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Due to the steady rise in heating and cooling costs over the past decade, homeowners are taking advantage of every money saving idea that comes there way. One of the most popular methods in recent years is landscaping for energy efficiency. Shade trees that block the sun and lower air conditioning bills and privacy screens that double as wind barriers for the cold winter months have become staples in the attempt to save energy and funds through landscape.</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/images/P/Boxwood_American_220.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 336px;" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/images/P/Boxwood_American_220.jpg" border="0" alt="Shrubs and Hedges to Protect Against Cold Winter Winds"  title="Shrubs and Hedges to Protect Against Cold Winter Winds Photo" /></a>Another method that is utilized far less often, yet is every bit as effective, is foundation planting for insulation. Perennials planted alongside your home are beautiful in the summer, but planting dense shrubs will deflect cold winds from chilling your home and insulate your foundation. Not surprisingly, this simple act can lower your heating costs by as much as 20%.</p>
<p>Ideal for this purpose are thick, lush evergreen shrubs, such as <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/american-boxwood.html">American Boxwood</a>. The density and form of this boxwood make it perfect for holding those winter winds away from your home, automatically stabilizing the temperatures inside through insulation. Other fantastic selections are Privet, <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/fragrant-tea-olive.html">Osmanthus</a>, and Yew. However, if the idea of plain evergreen shrubs does not appeal to you, there are plenty of <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/flowering-shrubs/">flowering bushes </a> that will add some visual interest along with practicality. <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/camellia-shrubs/">Camellia</a> and <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/rhododendron-shrubs/">Rhododendron</a> are both fantastic evergreen shrubs that come in a wide variety of bloom colors.</p>
<p>When utilized properly, your &#8220;insulation shrubs&#8221; can pay for themselves in just one cold season. Pair the idea of foundation shrubs with a wind barrier in your yard, and you&#8217;ll be saving up to 60% on your heating costs this year.</p></div>
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		<title>Winter Activities For A Jump On Spring</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/winter-activities-for-a-jump-on-spring/</link>
		<comments>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/winter-activities-for-a-jump-on-spring/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:09:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Winter Bloomers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/winter-activities-for-a-jump-on-spring/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For passionate gardeners, this cold time of year cannot pass quickly enough. However, there are several things you can do all season long to prepare for the coming of spring that can actually improve your gardening endeavors far more than you may thing. Plus, they&#8217;ll keep you busy and make the cold season fly right [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For passionate gardeners, this cold time of year cannot pass quickly enough. However, there are several things you can do all season long to prepare for the coming of spring that can actually improve your gardening endeavors far more than you may thing. Plus, they&#8217;ll keep you busy and make the cold season fly right by!</p>
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<p>The first thing you&#8217;ll want to do is draft any new plans for your landscape. If you would like to make changes or repairs, begin the process now. Figure out exactly what you&#8217;d like to do, and you&#8217;ll be able to jump right in when the weather breaks.</p>
<p>The next thing you&#8217;ll definitely want to do during the winter is get any gardening equipment cleaned and serviced. The last thing you&#8217;re going to want when spring arrives is to find that the lawn mower is broken. Any damages can be repaired and upgrades made long before you actually need to utilize your equipment.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/images/other/gardening.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 215px; height: 201px;" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/images/other/gardening.jpg" border="0" alt="Winter Activities For A Jump On Spring"  title="Winter Activities For A Jump On Spring Photo" /></a>You may want to have your soil tested before the actual planting season arrives, especially if you&#8217;ve had any growing difficulties in the past. This test will assess what, if anything, you need to add to your soil. Then if you need to amend the soil in any way, you&#8217;ll have plenty of notice and time to do so.</p>
<p>Be sure to clean and prepare flower beds. You may also want to do this in any areas of your yard that you believe you will want to plant perennials, <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/vines/">vines</a>, or ground covers. Preparing the area beforehand will speed the planting process when spring rolls around. Prune any deciduous trees, <a id="link_78" href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/shrubs-hedges/" target="_New">shrubs and hedges</a> You will also want to prune any fruit trees or bushes you may have. Also, give any ornamental grasses a gentle, annual trim.</p>
<p>Follow these steps and you&#8217;ll have a great head start on your spring gardening and landscape plans.</p></div>
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		<title>With Fragrance, Charm, And Undeniable Romance &#8211; The Classic Rose Can&#8217;t Get Any Better, Can It?</title>
		<link>http://www.brighterblooms.com/blog/with-fragrance-charm-and-undeniable-romance-the-classic-rose-cant-get-any-better-can-it/</link>
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		<pubDate>Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:54:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Knockout Roses]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The rose is a stand alone in the gardening world, historically and today. Arguably the most popular flower in American history, it is rare to find an experienced gardener that has not tried their hand at the cultivation of a rose bush. With fragrance, visual charm, and undeniable romance&#8230; the classic rose is just a [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The rose is a stand alone in the gardening world, historically and today. Arguably the most popular flower in American history, it is rare to find an experienced gardener that has not tried their hand at the cultivation of a rose bush. With fragrance, visual charm, and undeniable romance&#8230; the classic rose is just a flower that cannot get any better, right?</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/images/P/Rose_RedkDKO_220_b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 219px; height: 445px;" src="http://www.brighterblooms.com/images/P/Rose_RedkDKO_220_b.jpg" border="0" alt="With Fragrance, Charm, And Undeniable Romance   The Classic Rose Cant Get Any Better, Can It?"  title="With Fragrance, Charm, And Undeniable Romance   The Classic Rose Cant Get Any Better, Can It? Photo" /></a>Well, that may be a matter of debate. Since their debut in 2000, <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/knockout-roses/">Knock Out Roses</a> have taken the gardening world by storm. Particularly, the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/knockout-roses/">Double Knockout Rose</a>. With up to twenty-five petals per single bloom, the Double Knockout is easily twice the size of your average rose. Apparently, it&#8217;s now aimed at becoming twice as popular as well.</p>
<p>Size, however, is not the only thing the Double Knockout rose has going for it. The Double Knockout boasts an extended bloom period that can stretch into all four seasons. More compact than even the original Knockout rose, the Double has a home in even the most modest of planting spaces. Becoming increasingly known for pest and disease resistance, drought tolerance, and being the ultimate in low-maintenance, it&#8217;s no wonder gardeners all over the country have fallen head over heels for this amazing cultivar.</p>
<p>Available in classic rose hues, you won&#8217;t have to forgo that long cherished elegance with the <a id="link_78" href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/category/knockout-roses/" target="_new">Knockout roses</a>. Looking for that romantic, cherry red? The <a id="link_79" href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/double-red-knockout-rose.html" target="_new">Red Double Knockout rose</a> will deliver all the time honored tradition with twice the size and glowing with color. If a softer, more feminine bloom appeals to you, you will find all that and more with the <a href="http://www.brighterblooms.com/product/double-pink-knockout-rose.html">Pink Double Knockout rose</a>.</p>
<p>With all the looks and attributes one could ask for in a rose, it&#8217;s certainly not hard to see why the Knockout roses are becoming more popular by the day. And it looks like a sure bet that they will have a place in gardens and landscapes for generations to come.</p></div>
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