Rules of thumb: Kill the grubs--by hand if there aren't too many. A handful of bonemeal is fine for a mini. Don't over-fertilize--a handful of organic fertilzer at planting time, another every few months until you get a feel for your soil. Don't plant invasive plants too close to the roses. Read the labels of all plants for size and sun/shade and believe them. Don't water rose leaves (unless you are hosing off aphids). Roses don't like to go to bed with their feet wet. Don't over water--no more than twice a week.

Not necessarly. Thought my Spring had arrive one April. 5 in So. Calif. and went on to my convention without a worry, well it hailed on April 6 and ruined every plant that I had left uncovered. It is not over until it is over. Listen to the weather news every night. It different iin every zone location also different every year. We have had a very rough Winter, nothing was the same as in the past years. We all got caught w/unexpected weather this past year. The plants also.

We spotted our first one last weekend, he was looking in the patio door!! We thought he was pretty smart til we realized he was being drawn by the red sticker from the security company! LOL!!! The feeders went up and this weekend we were rewarded with 4 of them visiting us!

Thanks everyone, the C. Cerifera is really putting on some growth. even after sustaining damage the past two winters. I am hoping it toughens up before we get a real winter. Jim, I havent ever seen rain like we have gotten this year. I really worry that when summer gets here the plants will have shallow roots. Alex, I cant wait to finish the rock garden. But I already have plans for expansion. Only lost one agave last winter and I have 10 new ones to go in it. Bradleyo, I am north of Winston Salem. About 2hrs from Raliegh. Of course I always make the trip to PDN. You will love the climate there.