Most of my rants are about humans and their actions, but not this month. Roses are one of the most high maintenance plants; lots of pruning, watering, etc. Some of the worst and common things that reduce the floral display of these potentially beautiful and often intoxicatingly fragrant plants include: (1) black spot (a fungal leaf disease prevalent in wet years and with excessive aerial watering, especially if done so that leaves are wet during the evening), (2) thrip infestation (flower buds will form but are deformed and will not open), and (3) Japanese beetles. This year (2018) it was thrips early and now one of the worst years I can recall for Japanese beetles resulting in a summer w
Rant of the Month
Unfortunately, most people know little about gardening and environmental issues including many "professionals" employed to choose, install and maintain plants and design landscapes. This page highlights specific issues with commentary on remedy or recommendation for course of action. Examples are numerous and easy to find -- rarely requiring me to travel far from home. Hopefully, these postings will make the task of finding examples more difficult. I will occasionally also post outstanding and approved examples in an effort to educate.