Re: [Rose-list] Newbie needs help

**"* A* C* <v*@ucdavis.edu>**

Hi, Chrystal,

I've used a couple of home remedies to get rid of ants on rose bushes, as I
like to grow things organically. One was plain old soapy water (using a
liquid detergent for hand washing dishes). It discouraged the aphids, too.
I did it early on a clear morning while it was still cool, taking care not
to get any on the blooms themselves (I don't know if it would have made any
difference). Another was cloves (ants really don't like them) sprinkled in
a circle around the base of the plant. The soap worked the best, after two
treatments. 

You only need to prune the plants back hard in winter, to 3 or 4
well-spaced, healthy canes for new rose bushes. But, in my last garden (in
Huntington Beach), I regularly did a sort of light summer pruning whenever
I cut roses to take into the house. I cut the stems longer than needed for
a cut flower, back to a good-sized healthy-looking lateral bud. It helped
to keep down the powdery mildew (a problem along the coast) and the foliage
and blooms were healthier as a result. (Be sure to re-cut your stems under
water before arranging your bouquet, to eliminate the embolism that forms
in the stem when they're cut from the plant. If you don't do this, the cut
rose can't take up any more water.)

Have fun with them. Roses are sturdy little plants, really. Don't be afraid
to experiment a bit.

Hope this helps.

Venetia

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