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The Professional Gardener

What's eating the leaves on my roses

13 years ago

Living in Ca. we have lots of rats, plenty of birds, whatever. My garden of roses which is twice the length of my gazebo but right next to the gazebo is losing the leaves and buds from the bottom 3/4ths of the plants. I've seen birds with leaves in their beaks and at the beginning of spring lengths of the upper stems laying on the ground and the other day dragged to where I know rats like to stay even though we have plenty of bait and traps.

Do you think a smelly Society garlic plant here and there might help. Can't find them in the garden shops yet but that's about the only thing I haven't tried. We have birds making nests in my hanging succulents in my gazebo. I'ld really like to keep them off my plants, Have hanging wind chimes in the gazebo. debbysunshine@hotmail.com

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Comment (1)

xylosma
13 years ago
I have found that the rats will eat the new shoots of roses, but only the new ones. I have had some success with a repellent whose name, of course, I can't remember right now. It is a liquid that really works. It works on keeping squirrels from eating petunias too. Pretty useful info huh? They sell it at hardware stores and nurseries. Just look for a spray on repellent with lots of animals on the bottle.
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what I wouldent give to have a leaf cutter this year. I fought off the aphids and then the ants but VERY few bees. I plant a few things to bring them in and I am heartbroken because I am missing them this year. the "damage" they do has never really hurt my roses and I am happy to see them come back to visit my fresh blooms. I am begging anyone who sees them to please just leaf them bee.
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i gave up on roses a long time ago .. 100 hybrid T's .. because of the chemical regimen needed for perfect plants ... like 4 to 5 sprayings over the course of the season ... of a multitude of products ... but jean is correct.. if you just a have a bush or two.. its a LITTLE COSMETIC DAMAGE.. and not worth the effort ... be amazed by the show.. rather than horrified with it ken
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