My only experience with them was in California which has other problems, but dampness isn't one of them. Also, I've been unwell for a few years and haven't tended to them as I should have. I also don't use chemicals of any sort.
As a result, the spots have gotten out of control. I meant to cut them back in the fall and take all the leaves off, but didn't get around to it. So now I'm wondering if it's too late to cut them back, if I should still take the leaves off (there's still a few hanging around) and what's the best way to get and keep them healthy -- is there any hope?
My gran used to dump her tea leaves in the rose bed, and I'm wondering about that. I'm clueless -- any advice would be appreciated. Maybe we can eventually make language a complete impediment to understanding. -Hobbes
Tea is an excellent fertilizer, but I am not aware of any virtues it may have regarding spots. I have also found that coffee is good for plants that like acidic soils ... they grow as if they were doped on coffee!
This isn't my garden btw, I only take care of my mom's when I can, as she is utterly lazy in that area.
I only have plants in pots of my own, essentially tropical ones, seeds I've brought back from abroad, like a Bauhinia, a baobab, a curry tree, a few citrus plants, and a few other dwarf trees (that used to be bonsais until the day I concluded that it was vicious of me to keep plants too stunted - better to let them grow, but not too tall as all my plants need to be brought inside in winter).
You have a baobab tree?!? I've been enchanted by those ever since I read The Little Prince. How tall is it?
One time a friend and I grew a redwood and planted it in his mother's front yard, but I don't know what became of the situation. I've since learned that they don't grow singly, but last I saw it was skinny as a whip and about 5 feet tall. Maybe we can eventually make language a complete impediment to understanding. -Hobbes
Redwoods are beautiful trees too!
I found Neem helpful for all kinds of problems and parasites on plants. Neem is an amazing plant with lots of uses, not only gardening and organic agriculture. There are a lot of links but the following one is a good startneem foundation.
I love the old roses, too. The new hybrids don't have much scent. A friend of mine did give me an antique rose a few years ago. It's a lovely pink and the smell is incredible. Maybe we can eventually make language a complete impediment to understanding. -Hobbes
And invest in a pair of good nippers (I was a landscape gardener for 10+ years, and I and all my compatriots use the Felco brand...which has numerous sizes to fit different hands...and, yep, they are Swiss made!) Half the population is under the age of 18. Tanzania's future is NOW...join the 50% campaign!
