If they are boxed roses in the square box they are bare root planted in a growing medium. While many suggest removing them from the box and soaking for a few days, I recommend poking holes in the box and soaking the box and all until the box is completely saturated. While in the box, tiny feeder roots have begun to grow. Removing them from the box also removes the feeder roots. The intent of the box is to plant it, box and all, to prevent disturbing the developing roots and eliminate the stress to the plant caused when planting a bare root. But, experience has shown the dry box will still be identifible two-three years down the road. It often contains the roots and prevents them from growing into the surrounding soil. Not so if you poke holes in it and completely saturate the box by soaking. The more surface exposed to the soil, the faster the box decomposes. Those I plant that way are completely decomposed by the end of the first season in the ground. Saturating means water the plant should have is not soaked up by the box. Being wet helps it break down faster also. As a bonus, any feeder roots formed already will not be disturbed lessening transplant shock and stress. Usually new top growth will not be affected or need to be removed. If you plan on keeping the boxed roses for awhile before planting, poke a small hole in the top and water it. The box will become wet and sag some but the growing medium will not dry out. I've seen unsold boxed roses in the original box in mid June, four to five feet tall and blooming. Unlike body bagged roses, boxed roses will root absorbing the nutrients in the growing medium.

There are commercial processes for reprocessing polystyrene, but a lot of it is thrown away by consumers because they don't have easy access to them. Most domestic recycling schemes don't collect it because it comprises a very small quantity of our individual waste, and potentially it is of very low value as well. Although called polystyrene recycling, it is not a material that is ideal for recycling as it suffers significant degradation when reprocessed. It's mostly used in rather small quantities as a ground up filler in new expanded polystyrene, it reduces the end product's properties significantly and because it is limited to only a small amount of the product's mass, even with maximum recycling, something far from achieved, the polystyrene industry would still require vast quantities of new materials and generate lots of post-consumer waste. This site tells you a lot more about recycling/reprocessing it, although it is an industry funded program so it does rather look on the bright side of expanded polystyrene: Here is a link that might be useful: Alliance of foam packaging recyclers

I am always on the lookout for free boxes such as you describe. They make wonderful plant containers which I keep on my deck. Tomatoes grown in high heat conditions thrive in the larger ones. I now grow all my tomato plants in styrofoam containers. I paint mine with black acrylic paint and then spray them with the various colored 'concrete-type' sprays available at box stores. When finished they look very expensive and hold up well to the elements. I found a very large styrofoam box last fall in which I have been growing a bumper crop of peas this winter. Shortly I will replant it with everbearing strawberries. I would encourage those living in hot areas to try styrofoam container garden as the plants thrive. Of course, you have to punch some drainage holes in them.

I have a Christmas tree full every year of these photo ornaments. The married children receive them as gifts. Cut a wedge off the ball to leave a flat place for photo. Cut pretty paper napkins and peel to single layer; coat the ball with non-yellowing, clear-drying glue; gently place napkin over glue; place more glue over napkin; sprinkle with clear glitter; let dry; glue photo; decorate and add ornament hook or ribbon.