Thinking about Roses

I've been thinking about my roses. You see, I am quite famous for my roses here in the neighborhood. My home is on the corner lot, and the long, east side of it faces out onto the street. East facing gardens are ideal for roses, so they line that whole side, right where the neighbors can enjoy them. I didn't plan it for them actually, but it was a happy accident nonetheless.

I am an organic gardener for the most part. But no matter how I try, I cannot manage the blackspot without a little boost of fungal spray. Otherwise, I use organic methods for my pretties. I use purchased organic fertilizer, and generous amounts of coffee grounds from Starbucks. Occasionally, I apply crushed egg shells and banana peels to the soil.

 I've even tried purchasing ladybugs to keep the aphids at bay, but they mostly flew away. Still, the natural population of ladybugs here is fairly good.

But the worst problem for me are the dreaded Japanese beetles that arrive every year to devour my favorite blooms. And before you tell me to treat the grubs in my lawn, I have to make it clear that we don't have a problem with grubs. What no one seems to remember is that Japanese beetles can fly, and travel right over to my delicious roses after they hatch from the other grub filled lawns!

My solution is an easy one, but it's rather gross. I simply patrol the roses every day, wearing a plastic glove, and holding a cup of soapy water to drown them in.

With all that being said, I would still like the roses to be even better. I found many of the canes to be bare at the bottom. So I'll study up on that. Do you think I should actually *read* that lovely rose book I purchased? Yes, I think I will. After all, they are the fairest of the flowers.