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Problem with rose

    Date Posted: Mon, Jun 17 - 1:10 am

    Question

  • Any suggestions other than takeout. I’ve tried need oil
  • Answer

  • The picture you sent looks like a variety of wild rose. Many are starting to move away from planting roses as they are very needy and nearly as toxic as lawns to grow successfully. Based on the little bit of information that we have, we would recommend pulling the plant and replacing it with something else. Our recommendation is clematis virginiana if you are looking for a vining plant that is native. If you are hoping to find a way to keep the rose, this article has great information about different problems with roses and how to address them: https://fairfaxgardening.org/rose-problems/ Best of luck to you!

Pests & Disease -- Rosemary

    Date Posted: Mon, Feb 21 - 7:57 pm

    Question

  • I seem to have little brown nodules all over my Rosemary and it seems to be reducing its vigor and making the leaves look like they have aphids one them [the green is draining out of them]. Do you know what causes this? does it make the rosemary not good for eating? If I treat it, what would I use and how would it effect eating it? I coudl send a photo if that would help. Thank you. Lynn
  • Answer

  • Hello there, Based on your description I think the problem is bacterial leaf spot. I can't say for certain though. I've attached a link from the Missouri Botanical Garden about bacterial leaf spots and blights. If you open the link and scroll down, you'll find 2 photos of rosemary side by side. The one on the right may depict the problem you are encountering. Be sure to read all 8 items about prevention and control. You'll read that there is not much to be done if the plant is too far gone. You can try cutting the stems that are affected but be certain to clean your tools as directed in the article. Depending on the severity it may be wise to properly dispose of the plant and replace it with a healthy new one while adhering to all the points made about prevention. I hope this helps solve your problem. Sometimes replacement is the best choice https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/pests-and-problems/diseases/bacterial-spots.aspx

Master plan-ADA compliant gardens

    Date Posted: Sun, Sep 05 - 9:31 pm

    Question

  • Hello, I am moving from London to Richmond. While I have won awards for garden design, now, I am a handicapped senior. I want a parterre, which is ADA compliant, and am looking for a master gardener to help create. Whole property is 4 acres, 2 lawn, full sun. Where would I find master gardeners around Richmond who know best plants/roses/ilex for the region. Also, any other ADA gardens? Thank you.
  • Answer

  • Hello there and welcome to Richmond! Your project sounds intriguing though outside of the work typically done by Master Gardeners in Richmond. It seems you are looking for a master plan of your new property to include hardscape and gardens for a 4 acre property. Master Gardeners work to educate and work with the public on community projects. You may want to check in with the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers--www.vsld.org. Their website will connect you with designers and there are lots of photos from various designers to aid in making a choice. I can't say I know of any ADA compliant gardens myself but I have reached out to another organization to see if they have information that would be useful for you. I will let you know what I find. In the meantime it would be helpful to research the zone you will be living in to see if the plants you have in mind will thrive in your new landscape. The zones for Richmond are 6b to 7a. And sometimes micro-climates provide a situation for plants outside these zones. Please send me another message as a check in so I will be able to give you an update. Allow some time for the other organization to get back to me. Best of luck with this project, It's very exciting!

Watering roses

    Date Posted: Wed, Aug 18 - 1:48 pm

    Question

  • Hi i have a row of drift roses on the front on my yard, they are in full sun. I had been watering them every other day with the lawn but noticed that a few bushes had yellowing leaves which then turned brown and crispy. I am assuming that is a sign of being overwatered? Any suggestions on how to make the flowers last so they don’t turn brown so quickly in the heat? Thanks!
  • Answer

  • Hello there, My first instinct is that you are, in fact, over watering your roses. How long have the roses been planted? If it's been a few years then watering once or twice a week should be sufficient. Is the soil well draining? Roses don't want to sit in consistently wet soil. Are you able to gauge how much water, in inches, your roses are receiving. one to 2 inches of water (rain+water combined) should keep them healthy. I believe that's about 4-5 gallons of water a week. Also, I don't think the heat is causing the roses to brown but the effects of over watering are. Back off on the watering a bit. Try to avoid the foliage and water the soil around the plants and see that they get soaked rather than sprinkled. I suspect that less water weekly (avoiding the foliage whenever possible) and a couple of good soaks a week will make you and your roses happier. Good luck!

Controlling Japanese Beetles

    Date Posted: Tue, Aug 17 - 8:50 pm

    Question

  • How can I safely control Japanese beetles? They're devouring my roses. I don't want to use anything that would hurt bees or hummingbirds.
  • Answer

  • Thank you for your question. I certainly understand the extent of damage Japanese beetles can cause to all parts of the Rose bush - buds, leaves, and flowers! A very safe, organic, and effective means to control Japanese beetles is a routine spray of a Neem oil solution. A Neem oil solution both kills and repels the beetles when applied every 7-10 days. This solution is totally organic and non-toxic to bees or birds. Simply mix 2 tablespoons of Neem oil per gallon of water, and spray all parts of the rose plant. A side benefit is that this Neem oil solution also controls aphids, lace bugs, mealybugs, and spider mites. Another solution is a simple soap and water solution (although not quite as effective at repelling the beetles as the Neem oil solution). Mix 4 tablespoons of dish soap with water in a spray bottle and spray all parts of the plant. Best of luck! Let us know if you have other questions!