3

Miniatures Are for Children

A rose, a child, a starThose are my loves; Better them ye who can.
ANONYMOUS

Children, being what they are, look upon things with fresh, clear vision. Each new day can bring new and exciting adventures, even in ordinary things. It is through the eyes of children even though ours may have become dimmed, that we must look if we are to find the true adventures of living. And so, no matter what the calendar may say, miniatures are for children, for the young in heart and spirit.

Miniatures are made to order for children and for all who would be children in spirit. These roses, perfect counterparts of the big roses, are like tiny jewels in a fairyland setting.

Have you ever taken the time to carefully examine a miniature rose? First of all there is the plant with its many tiny branches all arranged in perfect size and balance.

"A miniature of loveliness, All grace, summed up, and closed in little."

Then there is the foliage . tiny pointed leaves, each finely cut as if done with diminutive pinking shears. Thorns, too, are marvels of miniature artistry. Examine the perfectly proportioned stems and flowers. (A reading glass may help you do a more thorough job.) Checking the individual parts of these wee roses is a fascinating pursuit. Indeed, it might be likened to a child's absorption in the innermost aspects of an ant hill.

Children are always asking, "Why?," and so should we if we are to explore and learn. This natural curiosity is one of the differences between children and grownups. When we take a childlike approach we often find new worlds to explore.

1. This little girl enjoys the task of watering a miniature rose.

With a reading glass you will see details such as delicate veining and coloring of leaves and petals, soft hairs on the stems, and the tiny stamens and pistils. You might even catch a bug or two and get a head start controlling the intruders.

Closer examination of your miniature roses will reveal marvels of balance, of colors and blends, of textures and subtle differences in shape and form that passing glances will never reveal.

Miniatures are for children of all ages, creeds and colors. Simple and enjoyable effort can easily produce these marvels of rose perfection in your own garden. And to add to the interest just look at some of the names; 'Red Imp,' 'Little Buckaroo,' 'Yellow Doll,' 'Cinderella,' 'Pixie,' and 'Pink Cameo.'

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