Roses belong to the genus Rosa and have been cultivated for over 5,000 years, making them one of the oldest ornamental flowers in the world. There are more than 300 species and tens of thousands of cultivated varieties. The spiral petal arrangement of a rose follows the golden ratio — the same mathematical pattern seen in nautilus shells and galaxy spirals. Roses are also edible; their petals are used in teas, jams, and perfumes, and rose hips (the fruit of the rose plant) are packed with vitamin C.
Coloring ideas: classic red roses are always striking, but this bouquet also looks beautiful in soft pinks and creams or even a mix of coral, peach, and yellow for a garden-variety arrangement. Color the vase in deep blue or terracotta with gold or white accents on the scroll patterns. Use a darker green for leaves in shadow and lighter green for the front-facing ones.
Older kids can practice a gradiant effect on the rose petals: color the outer petals a deeper shade and leave the center petals lighter to create a sense of depth. Try using a white crayon over lightly colored petals for a sheen effect.
