Oh, YEAH!!! Last week, we were watching 'The Wicked Lady'(1983) (on YouTube), a vehicle apparently written for Faye Dunaway, set in some period prior to the Industrial Revolution. There was an Elizabethan walled garden .... you know, with gridded beds separated by walks... and it was bedded-out in what appeared to be MODERN FLORIBUNDAS!!!! I will add that it also irks me to see 'period' dramas in which 'feasting' people enjoy modern seedless green table grapes of the sort you can run out to any grocery and buy. Do they think we're really that dumb? Anyway, I've been wanting to vent my disgust at seeing that Floribunda-filled abomination. Nice to be among kindred spirits who will understand.

"biocontrol" is one method that one can try for blackspot. The following may be useful in putting the concept of biocontrol into layman terms: "Disease-suppressive soil microorganisms have been found in many places. In monoculture wheat the severity of "take all" disease often decreases within three to five years. This phenomenon is known as "take all decline," and is considered an effective natural control. Although the mechanisms are not completely understood, the decline is associated with changes in soil microorganisms that compete with and prey on the fungus. Melon plants grown in the Chateaurenard region of France do not show Fusarium wilt symptoms even though the fungus is present in the soil. Soils with suppressive characteristics tend to develop slowly and are usually found in fields where perennial crops or monocultures have been grown for many years. Suppressiveness may be lost if the monoculture is interrupted even for one year, or if pesticides are applied. For example, researchers first recognized soils suppressive to cereal-cyst nematode when nematode numbers increased after application of a broad-spectrum biocide. Many species of fungi and bacteria in the genera Trichoderma, Streptomyces, Bacillus and Pseudomonas suppress diseases, but at this time only a few strains are commercially available. Additional commercial products may be available soon, however, as this is currently an active research area." The quote was taken from: Http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/sustainable/peet/IPM/diseases/org_cert.html ---------------------------------------------- The following article from the Maine Rose Society web page ( http://www.mainerosesociety.com/articles/control.html ) was written by by DR. LAKSHMI SRIDHARAN, who should be familar with those of you that are members of the American Rose Society. ----------------------------------- Examples that friendly fungi do exist: Http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/app/home/contribution.asp?wasp=59ghxnlylp03feg2dr2p&referrer=parent&backto=issue,1,10;journal,2,54;linkingpublicationresults,1:100635,1 Http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/app/home/contribution.asp?wasp=4g1ltlxhtr3ya223recn&referrer=parent&backto=issue,8,10;journal,4,54;linkingpublicationresults,1:100635,1; Http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/app/home/contribution.asp?wasp=8000375kwm5qnk5e7y47&referrer=parent&backto=issue,1,10;journal,6,54;linkingpublicationresults,1:100635,1; Http://taylorandfrancis.metapress.com/app/home/contribution.asp?wasp=07wckmqrxr3jqg6kducy&referrer=parent&backto=issue,9,10;journal,7,54;linkingpublicationresults,1:100635,1; ------------------------------------------------ Blackspot on roses is scientifically called "diplocarpon rosae". The link below reports that trichoderma harzianum is a promising control - see their exact wording (the document is a PDF document. The applicable section is easily found by typing diplocarpon into the PDF find command - the binoculars). Http://www.gtz.de/ecosan/download/Bangalore03-Ramanujam.PDF ------------------------------------------------------ Title: The Abundance and Structure of the Root-Associated Microbial Complexes of Two Greenhouse Rose Cultivars. Authors: Polyanskaya, L. M.; Ozerskaya, S. M.; Kochkina, G. A.; Ivanushkina, N. E.; Golovchenko, A. V.; Zvyagintsev, D. G. Authors affiliation: Faculty of Soil Science, Moscow State University, Vorob'evy gory, Moscow, Russia. Published in: Microbiology (Moscow, Russian Federation)(Translation of Mikrobiologiya), volumn 72, pages 496-502, (2003). Abstract: "The study of the root-assocd. microbial complexes of affected and healthy rose plants of two cultivars (Grand gala and Royal velvet) grown in a greenhouse showed that the biomass of eukaryotic microorganisms in the rhizoplane and rhizosphere of healthy rose plants and in the surrounding soil was considerably lower than in the same loci of affected plants. In contrast, the biomass of root-assocd. prokaryotic microorganisms was higher in the case of healthy than in the case of affected rose plants. The root-assocd. bacterial complexes of both affected and healthy rose plants were dominated by the genera Arthrobacter, Rhodococcus, and Myxobacterium and did not contain phytopathogenic bacteria. The root-assocd. fungal complex of healthy roses was dominated by fungi of the genus Trichoderma, whereas that of the affected rose plants was dominated by the species Aureobasidium microstictum. The affected cane cuttings and cankers occurring on affected canes were found to contain Coniothyrium fu-ckelii (the causal fungus of rose stem canker) and sclerotia of Botrytis cinerea (the causal fungus of gray rot). The micromycete complex of healthy rose plants was not so diverse as was the micromycete complex of affected rose plants." ---------------------------------------------- Title: Biological control of black spot of rose caused by Dipocarpon rosae . Authors: Prasad, R. D.; Rangeshwaran, R.; Sunanda, C. R.; Vinita, J. Authors affiliation: Project Directorate of Biological Control, Post Bag No. 2491, H.A. Farm Post, Bellary Road, Hebbal, Bangalore 560 024, India. Published in: Annals of Plant Protection Sciences,volumn 10, pages 256-259, (2002). Abstract: "Fungal biological control agents (Trichoderma harzianum , T. viride and Chaetomium globosum ) were used either alone or in combination with fungicides (chlorothalonil and mancozeb) to manage black spot of rose caused by D. rosae under greenhouse conditions. Black spot incidence in biological control agent and/or fungicide treatments was significantly low (disease ratings from 0.33 to 3.33) compared to the control at all observation dates. After 100 days of spraying, defoliation was lowest with chiorothalonil, Trichoderma harzianum +chlorothalonil, C. globosum +chlorothalonil and T. harzianum +mancozeb treatments. The highest mean vigour index was recorded in T. harzianum treatment. The highest flower production was recorded in C. globosum +chlorothalonil treatment (4.33) followed by T. harzianum alone and T. harzianum +chlorothalonil treatment (4.00)." -------------------------------------------------- Cornmeal is considered to be a good food for the friendly fungus "trichoderma harzianum". The fungus is available commercially, see: http://www.ipmofalaska.com/files/trichoderma.html There may be another benefit to this fungus as there is a report that it helps root growth: Title: Effect of Trichoderma Colonization on Auxin-Mediated Regulation of Root Elongation. Author: Bjoerkman, Thomas. Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, USA. Published in: Plant Growth Regulation, volumn 43, pages 89-92, (2004). Abstract: "The biocontrol fungus Trichoderma harzianum 1295-22 increases root growth in addn. to roles in suppressing disease. Its agricultural use could be expanded if the mechanism of growth enhancement were known. Among the proposed mechanisms of growth enhancement is that the fungus counteracts auxin inhibition of root-cell elongation. We tested whether there was evidence for a secreted auxin inhibitor, for enhanced auxin degrdn., or for altered auxin sensitivity. Our results provide no support for any of these mechanisms. Trichoderma secretions inhibited growth, whereas an auxin inhibitor would increase growth. Auxin inhibited growth to the same extent in colonized and uncolonized roots, indicating no change in auxin sensitivity. Endogenous auxin levels maintained growth closer to the max. in uncolonized roots, indicating stronger auxin limitation of growth in colonized roots. These tests indicated that Trichoderma-colonized roots had a faster max. growth rate, but an unchanged response to auxin." -------------------------------------------- Even if naturally occurring trichoderma harzianum only reduces the amount of blackspot fungus by 10 to 20 % (the numbers are just a guess), there are probably going to be a number of different "friendly" fungi in an organic garden. For example, the following paper reports that 2 fungi that are now recognized as biocontrol potential have increased levels on blackspot infected leaves: ------------------------------------ Title: PHYLLOPLANE MICROORGANISMS OF ROSA CULTIVAR PICADILLY FOLLOWING INFECTION BY DIPLOCARPON-ROSAE Author: HAYES A J Author Affiliation: DEP OF FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, UNIV OF EDINBURGH, UK. Published in: Transactions of the British Mycological Society, volumn 79, pages 311-320, (1982). Abstract: "The phylloplane microflora of the hybrid tea rose cultivar Picadilly was studied for 2 growing seasons on healthy leaves and on leaves infected by D. rosae. Large increases in numbers of yeasts and bacteria on healthy leaves were noted from the end of July until the beginning of Oct. Late in the growing season numbers of all types of microbes increased dramatically. Following infection by D. rosae numbers of microbes generally showed a marked increase, but this was not always sustained. Cryptococcus laurentii and Micrococcus sp. populations on infected leaves were 3-4 times those on correspondingly healthy leaves. The species composition and changes in numbers of phylloplane microbes are compared with descriptions of microflora isolated from leaves of other plants and possible reasons for the observed differences are discussed." -------------------------------------- The following two links are Google searches for the two fungi listed and the word biocontrol. --------------------------------------- Http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=%22cryptococcus+laurentii%22+biocontrol&btnG=Search ----------------------------------------------- Http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=micrococcus+biocontrol&btnG=Search ------------------------------------------- The science of biocontrol is still in its infancy. The use of Chitosan is one of the early results of this area of research. The following is the EPA summary: ( Http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/biopesticides/ingredients/factsheets/factsheet_128930.htm ) "SUMMARY Chitosan is used primarily as a plant growth enhancer, and as a substance that boosts the ability of plants to defend against fungal infections. It is approved for use outdoors and indoors on many plants grown commercially and by consumers. The active ingredient is found in the shells of crustaceans, such as lobsters, crabs, and shrimp, and in certain other organisms. Given its low potential for toxicity and its abundance in the natural environment, chitosan is not expected to harm people, pets, wildlife, or the environment when used according to label directions." -------------------------------------------- There is a scientific literature report of 10 - 20 % effectiveness against blackspot. Title: Chitosan as the biocontrol agent of fungal pathogens; activity and mode of action. Authors: Wojdyla, Adam T. Authors affiliation: Research Institute of Pomology and Floriculture, Skierniewice, Pol. Published in: Bulletin of the Polish Academy of Sciences: Biological Sciences, volumn 51, pages 159-165, (2003). Abstract: "In in vivo expts. showed that chitosan added to potato dextrose agar at 3 mg/cm3 in 50% suppressed radial growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Phytophthora cryptogea. Another tested fungi were less sensitive to chitosan. ED50 for Cylindrocladium scoparium and Myrothecium roridum was more than 5 mg/cm3. In vivo expts. showed that only 10-20% effectiveness of the compds. against Diplocarpon rosae was found, when chitosan at 0.2-0.4 mg/cm3 was used for rose spraying. Also spraying of willow 2 times at weekly intervals against Melampsora epitea decreased the mean no. of rust pustules per leaf. Spraying of dieffenbachia 24 h before inoculation with M. roridum resulted in significant decrease of necrosis spread on leaves. Five days after inoculation the compds. inhibited the development of leaf spot about 94%. Chitosan applied preventively before inoculation of leaves gave significantly better results in the control of M. roridum than used 24 h after inoculation. Spraying of chrysanthemum, naturally infected with Puccinia horiana decreased the mean no. of pustules per leaf about 95%."

2012 Potting Shed University Series A Series of Free Gardening Classes presented by Master Gardeners of Greene County Here's a wonderful way to get ready for spring, learn gardening tips and techniques to get the most out of your garden. Master Gardeners of Greene County offers a series of 12 free short courses this spring. These courses will be held Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. between March 5 - May 21st. Sessions last for 30 minutes followed by a question-and-answer period where Master Gardeners will stay as long as needed. Classes are Free No registration required. Stop by on your way home from work! Location: Workshop Studio, Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center, 2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807. MAP at the bottom of this page. March 5 Shape Up for Spring! Prune Plants for Better Form and Health Not only does proper pruning help keep a garden looking beautiful, it also maintains the health of the plants, saving you time and money. Pruning is a useful practice to control size and disease and promote better blooms and form. Timing and technique differs depending upon the type of plant being pruned. Learn the what, when, whys and hows of selectively pruning plants. Presenter: Katie Steinhoff, Botanical Center Coordinator demonstrates proper pruning techniques and give you helpful hints. March 12 Safe Use of Chemicals in the Garden What's in a product label? Learn what to look for, how to choose the appropriate chemical for the intended use, how to safely apply chemicals, how to protect yourself from chemicals, and how to safely store chemicals. This was one of our highest rated classes last year by attendees. Back by popular request! Presenter, Patrick Byers, Southwest Region Horticulture Specialist, Greene County University of Missouri Extension. March 19 Gardening With Your Chickens In addition to providing delicious fresh eggs, chickens can be a gardener's best tool providing free fertilizer plus organic pest and weed control! Learn the basics of chicken keeping plus info and techniques a gardener can use to put their hens to work in the garden, but at the same time protect the plants they love to eat! Presenter, Rebecca Nickols, Class of 2009, Master Gardeners of Greene County member, experienced chicken owner. Visit her blog here: thegardenroofcoop.com March 26 Low Water Plants: Beat the Heat! Weather-proof your garden with heat and drought resistant plants. Discover the strategies of low-water gardening and get a list of plants that thrived last summer with NO water! Make your gardening life easier in the long run by using plants that require far less maintenance once established. Presenter, Barbara St. Clair, Class of 2004, Master Gardeners of Greene County President, Xeriscape Garden Coordinator, passionate gardener. April 2 Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Composting The single most important step to great soil is incorporating beautiful, rich compost from your own backyard. Now is the time to start a compost bin! Composting is cheap and easy to learn, but there is a little bit of an art to it that comes with practice. In the right conditions, bacteria and other microorganisms quickly break down organic material into rich, fertile earth that you can add to your soil to increase its fertility and health. Learn how to get started to create and maintain your very own soil amendment. Presenter, Bobbie Ream, Class of 2009, Master Gardeners of Greene County. April 9 Vegetable Planting Calendar Q & A Every plant variety has its own temperature and sunlight requirements for seed germination, flowering, and fruit production, there is an optimum time for planting. These dates can vary slightly based on factors like weather conditions and microclimates. A little planning and good timing provides a variety of delicious vegetables over a longer period of time. Have your garden pumping out something delicious not only through the fall, but even for winter harvest! Presenter, Patrick Byers, Southwest Region Horticulture Specialist, Greene County University of Missouri Extension. April 16 Weed Identification & Management Learn how to fight weedy invaders. Hone your skills in weed identification by observing live specimens and pictures of summer weeds encountered in gardens and landscapes. Develop a plan to control weeds before and after they appear with management strategies and practices. Participants are encouraged to bring samples for identification and discussion. Presenter: Katie Steinhoff, Botanical Center Coordinator. April 23 Bloomin Containers Create stunning plant combinations for a variety of container styles using unusual plant combinations including perennials, , tropicals, herbs, and vegetables. Learn the steps to design and plant an easy, colorful, and stylized container garden. Cathy will share helpful tips on soil selection, watering, fertilizing and maintaining your container garden in the Ozarks. Presenter, Cathy Staats, Class of 2008, Master Gardeners of Greene County Speakers Bureau Chair. April 30 Keep Em Bloomin Make those gorgeous blooms in your garden last throughout the season. Knowing what to trim throughout the growing season promotes healthy growth, keeps your garden tidy, and reduces the likelihood of pest infestation. This method is a great way to spend time with your flowers � and the best approach to achieve lasting blooms for a garden of beauty. Presenter: Katie Steinhoff, Botanical Center Coordinator. May 7 Care of Annuals Annuals provide brilliant color throughout the summer, and provide instant gratification, giving a garden an immediate boost of color and energy. Select the appropriate varieties for your garden. Learn when to plant them and how to care for them, and the secrets to keep them blooming all summer long. Presenter, Patrick Byers, Southwest Region Horticulture Specialist, Greene County University of Missouri Extension. May 14 Guided Tour of the Master Gardener Demonstration Gardens at the Botanical Center Established in 1994, the Master Gardeners of Greene County are well known for theorem demonstration gardens which have grown and matured over the years. Do you enjoy a strolling through the gardens? Have questions about the plants or the dedicated volunteers who make it a reality? Take a guided tour with Cindy Arrowood, Class of 2001 former Demonstration Garden Coordinator. May 21 Earth-Kind Roses Earth-Kind roses do well in a variety of soil types, ranging from well-drained acid sands to poorly aerated, highly alkaline clays. Learn about Earth-Kind rose varieties, and how to incorporate them into your garden. Presenter, Dan Faflak, Class of 2011, Master Gardeners of Greene County, Rose Society of the Ozarks, American Rose Society Consulting Rosarian. For more educational programs from Master Gardeners of Greene County visit swmogardens.com/fogcalendar Here is a link that might be useful: Master Gardeners of Greene County

it would be great if you could reort back if you get to know their selection of companion plants and all sorts of details For years I try to talk gardeners and garden owners out of Roses and LAvenders... ok, it`s kind a classic and pleasing to the eye, but from a Lavander`s point ov view rather wrong as it "wants" such different conditions. but with the frost and all, they probably have to use really frost hardy perennials? another tricky thing IMO is how to actually combine perennials and roses, do you plant tame Geraniums around their feet (tried that with tea hybrids, kinda works) but what about Polyanthas, bedding roses, would you rather mulch them... because weeding underneath them is so troublesome so I mean, dou you interweave and mix perennials and roses or plant large, adjacent groups of each? ---- genereally I think it is great that they set up a modern no-spray (?) Rose garden as example, there are hardy, resiliant cultivars, and every bit of garden chemicals not used and sprayed around is a good thing. especially with low knowledge garden owners who spray randomly and with funny dosage (my DMIL: oh, couldn`t find my glasses, so I just mixed that stuff anyway, so.. you really think that`s why the new foliage is burnt/curly...)