Rose Pruning at Point Defiance Rose Garden

Saturday March 2nd was the Tacoma Rose Society volunteer pruning demo and rose work day in the garden. This is my new favorite garden, or perhaps I should say, it is my favorite West Coast garden. When we were talking and pruning we came across some common rose problems and I thank my friend Jo for having her camera ready because I did not even bring mine!

Pruning with my new @Corona Comfort Grip Pruners

Have you seen a cane with a circular hole?

The wasp larvae are a few inches into the cane. Not all the way down.


We saw a lot of Crown Gall but not much of this Stem Gall.

Insects in late November

Two steps forward, one step back

Some days it feels like the insects are winning. I like to grow roses and they are especially attractive to insects. I struggle with my wish to not pollute the world and also to have beautiful roses to enjoy. The resolution to the struggle is leaning toward stop the pests on the roses that are having problems and (light colored roses, yellow) and let the rest grow. I have identified Leaf hopper as today’s pest but I think there is more going on here.

Bud trouble on ‘Walking on Sunshine’.

Leaf hopper