Leafcutter bees (Megachilidae) are frequent visitors to rose gardens, and for rosarians they often inspire mixed feelings. Their signature damage—smooth, half-moon cuts taken from the edges of rose leaves—can look startling, especially on carefully groomed shrubs or exhibition plants. Yet these same insects play an important and often underappreciated role in the overall health and […]
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Polka is a dramatic climbing rose known for its enormous, glowing apricot blooms. The flowers are full and romantic, often showing subtle variations of peach, coral, and cream depending on weather and light. Their size and color make them impossible to overlook. This rose grows vigorously with thick canes and leathery foliage, making it well
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Syrphid flies, commonly known as flower or hover flies, resemble bees. The brightly colored adults are black or brown adorned with yellow banded abdomens and body markings. The broad head is about the width of the abdomen or wider and has large eyes with distinct antennae. As flies, they have one pair of wings, while
Graham Thomas is one of the most celebrated English roses ever introduced. Its clear, glowing yellow blooms were groundbreaking at the time, proving that yellow roses could be both richly colored and beautifully fragrant. The flowers are deeply cupped and produced in generous clusters throughout the season. The plant is vigorous and versatile, forming a
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Have you ever seen these critters in your rose garden? Or worse yet, do you have any of these symptoms that they’ve been there? Roses with petals that resemble Swiss cheese. Young buds and stems that have holes or are broken just below the bud. Meet the really bad guys of the rose garden –
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Sweet Chariot is proof that fragrance doesn’t require large blooms. This miniature rose produces clusters of small, fully double flowers in soft mauve and lavender tones, often deepening in cooler weather. Despite its modest size, the fragrance is surprisingly strong and sweet, rivaling many full-sized roses. The plant is compact and bushy, making it ideal
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We gardeners are an enthusiastic bunch that want to give our plants all they need to flourish. In addition to the right location, healthy soil, and water, which includes a balanced diet. It takes a lot of energy for a plant to produce flowers, fruit, seeds, all while developing healthy roots, and leaves for photosynthesis.
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Mr. Lincoln is often considered the gold standard for red roses, particularly for fragrance. Its deep, dark red blooms are velvety in texture and dramatically shaped, opening slowly to reveal classic hybrid tea form. The scent is powerful, rich, and unmistakably “old rose,” making it a favorite for cutting gardens. The plant itself is tall
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Are your roses sporting new leaves that glisten in the sunlight and are slightly sticky to the touch? See a trail of ants crawling up the trunk of your plum tree? How about powdery black stuff on your camellia bush or the garden furniture next to it? All are indicators that sucking insects may have
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Named in honor of Sir Paul McCartney, this rose is best known for its extraordinary fragrance – often cited as one of the strongest among modern roses. The large, perfectly formed blooms are a deep, warm pink and appear repeatedly throughout the season, held on long stems ideal for cutting. The McCartney Rose grows as
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