Predators, parasites, and pathogens (disease producing organisms) are the primary groups used in the biological control of insects and mites along with many species of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Insects that are natural enemies of pests are also referred to as beneficial insects or beneficials. The most common type of natural enemy is the […]
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Russet-colored roses are definitely unique and pretty rare. ‘Cinco de Mayo’ sports large double blooms of an indescribable blending of smoked lavender and rusty red orange. As a seedling of the ever popular, butter yellow floribunda ‘Julia Child,’ it puts a whole new spin on ‘flower power’. The super-clean glossy-green foliage mirrors the flowers, and
Good Russet Roses for Marin – Cinco de Mayo Read More »
Don’t be fooled! This is NOT a green ladybug! The cucumber beetle is a common pest that feeds on the vegetable gardens and may also attack ripening stone fruit, although it’s not fussy and can be found in many parts of the yard, even on roses. These beetles may spread cucumber mosaic virus or wilts
Those Aren’t Green Ladybugs Read More »
I obtained this rose a year ago after seeing Betty Mott’s entry in a rose show. I’m not a big fan of Austin roses, thinking the heads tend to droop too much, but this one is captivating. Mine is more of a stunning magenta color, with a lovely round flat multi-petalled shape, typical of most
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The colors of ‘Westerland’ are those of a sunset – lovely apricot-orange with a touch of pink. The perfumed blooms are generally more than three inches wide, double, ruffled, with 20 petals that are slightly serrated. Officially classified as a shrub rose ‘Westerland’ is often sold as a climber. In our mild climate it grows
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‘Gold Medal’ is one of my favorite roses, being a fan of yellow anyway. Hybridized by Christensen in 1982, it has withstood the test of time. Also known by the name ‘Golden Medal’, it has parents of ‘Yellow Prize’ X ‘Shirley Langhorn’, ‘Granada’ X ‘Garden Party’. It won the New Zealand Gold Star of the
Good Yellow Roses for Marin – Gold Medal Read More »
What happens when you combine spring weather – cool nights and warm days, and a rain that lasts for a day or two? Well, besides the proverbial May flowers, it is the appearance of the BIG THREE fungal diseases of roses – powdery mildew, black spot, and rust. The bad news is that as long
The Big Three Rose Diseases Read More »
This is a wild new rose! The first lavender-mauve blend rose to be awarded the AARS award since 1978. This large grandiflora has flowers that are ruffled and wavy— almost like camellia flowers and up to four and a half inches across. The petals are a deep reddish color and get a lighter lavender in
Good Mauve Roses for Marin – Wild Blue Yonder Read More »
Time – there never seems to be enough of it! I’m always looking for ways to better manage my time. While I love working in my garden, I’d like more time to simply enjoy it. That got me thinking about possible ways to give roses the care they need and conserve time and energy. Here
Simplify your rose care Read More »
‘Altissimo’ was bred in France by Georges Delbard and Andre Chabert in 1966 from a cross of a medium red, semi-double, large-flowered climber called ‘Tenor’ and an unnamed seedling. The team of Delbard and Chabert hybridized many other roses in France – the most famous here besides ‘Altissimo’ are the orange blend floribunda, ‘Gingersnap’, and
Good Red Roses for Marin – Altissimo Read More »