This is pure speculation on my part, but the pattern looks to be from the runoff of the spout, which makes me wonder what's in your roofing material. From http://www.watoxics.org/files/moss.pdf, (pg 2): "Zinc-impregnated composition roofing contains zinc granules that work in much the same way as the strips. Some experts have said that these shingles are more effective than zinc strips. One possible disadvantage of the zinc-impregnated roofing is that it is costly to replace if it loses its effectiveness; be sure to check specifications and warranty information before purchasing. Zinc is potentially toxic to fish and other aquatic life. If you install zinc strips or zinc-impregnated composition roofing, ensure that roof runoff doesnÂt flow directly into storm drains, streams, or other bodies of water. If you collect water from your roof in rain barrels, you may want to avoid using the water for your vegetable garden. Copper strips and copper-impregnated shingles should be avoided due to copperÂs toxicity: copper is roughly 10-25 times more toxic to aquatic life than zinc." However, elsewhere on the web (http://en.allexperts.com/q/Lawns-725/moss-roofs-lawns-2.htm) it mentions that Zinc is a vital nutrient for plants, but as in most cases - too much of a good thing can be bad: "Too much of a good thing is also possible. How much is toxic, however, depends on the species of plant being treated because Zinc tolerance varies from species to species. One Rosarian describes this problem (http://www.gardenguides.com/articles/yellowleaves2.htm) in the Rose Garden: "Although it is rare, too much Zinc can cause symptoms similar to Iron or Magnesium Chlorosis... Tissues turn yellow, then brown. The rib remains green, but the secondary veins lighten. New growth may become stunted and bloom buds may be distorted." Dosing your plants with too much Milorganite or Houorganite-treated sludge is the best way to induce this condition in Roses, he points out." This is all a hypothesis on my part, as I don't know what you have on your roof, nor am I any sort of chemist / biologist / Holiday Inn guest. But thanks for the question - what better way to spend a Friday afternoon at work than researching lawn topics? :-) Here is a link that might be useful: Washington State Toxics.org file on zinc in roofing materials

Hi again, Thanks all, for your input. I just wanted to come back and say I did cut down the Dr. Hueys. I basically pruned the rosebush as far to the ground as I could get. (It was really bushy, so it was hard to see!) Once I got the "bushiness" ut away, i was surprised to find that something has been digging at my rosebush. I can see the root ball. When I planted this rosebush (some 5 years ago ro thereabouts) I definitely planted it so the root ball was a good 10 inches below the surface. But now, I can see that something has been digging away at the base of my rosebush, and the root ball is, indeed, exposed. So you all were right on that pont! So now I ask you wise rosebush-caretakers, what do I do? There's still one very strong cane of the Billy's left (I can tell it's the Billy because the cane is woody and very thick - the Hueys were slim and bendy. Even the leaves were different.) so I left it intact. It's got a lot of green on it, and it's very strong, so I hesitate to cut it off, as it's the only cane remaining on the rosebush. However there are no buds on it (I think I see the *beginnings* of a couple of them, but I'm not 100% sure if they are buds or more leaves.) How would you all recommend I proceed? It's obviously still a healthy plant, and I'm 100% sure the "Billy" part of is is not dead (yet). But I don't want to dig it up unnecessarily (especially when, I believe next year, I will HAVE to dig it up, as we are putting in a deck exactly where it is now). The plant is only as high as my knees - would it be a good idea to dig it up and put it in a large container to overwinter inside? (and if I do, should I be sure to scrape off the Dr. Huey's completely, as previously recommended?) If I do that, do you think it would also be good to do it to the rosebush next to it? (The purple ones that the June bugs and caterpillars just adore?) perhaps putting them both in large, separate containers will help alleviate the issues they are having *now* so when I replant them after the deck is done, they'll grow stronger? Any advice you all can give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

You wouldn't be the first to go into the industry after retirement from some other career. Interior landscapers - also called interiorscapers, or commercial plant care co's - are the people who care for all the plants in commercial situations - the offices, lobbies, hotels, restaurants, airports, etc. Sometimes those places employ the interior landscaping co to install and care for the plants, sometimes they have their own full time 'scaper to care for the plants in their facility. The industry is called Interior Landscaping. If you're interested, this is an interesting history: http://www.manyhatspublications.com/article-145.html There are several websites for plantscapers which are often for professionals only, but you can easily join if you're looking for information; this is a good one: http://www.newprocontainers.com/blog/ You can also google "plant care companies" in your area if you'd like to talk to some professionals.

>>what could be causing it to grow out all curly and wild looking. A bad home perm? (I'll be here all week) But seriously, viral infections sometimes do that. Or sometimes the sprig was simply trying to avoid a barrier (like that hose of yours) and was sending shoots thither and yon in an attempt to overcome the problem and get into sunlight. Changing weather usually stops the virus and you're unlikely to see it again next year. Removing the hose will have fixed the issue if that was it, and future growth should be a little straighter. But completely (or at least mostly) straight will probably wait for spring when the new blades and stem grow.