Hi Lingon. I had holes in my chard and kale this spring and never saw what was making them, although I'm pretty sure it was some sort of larvae. (So, it could be the same thing you are dealing with.) I sprayed with a bacillus thuringensis mixture and haven't had a problem since. I'm not as familiar with spinosad, but it is also considered to be a low-impact biological control that works well on soft-bodied organisms (but won't hurt worms). I think either of these would be a good bet for you. Here is a link that might be useful: my unplanned garden

I don't know much about this rose, but have you looked at Green Ice? It's a mini, but it's also a double and described as getting only 18 inches high. I have seen it in a couple of gardens and it was low & spreading, under a foot high both times. Maybe others who have more experience with it can give you more info? Good luck!

Irish or Scotch moss are lawn looking & used in Japanese gardens. I like how easily it is spreading at the edges of the gravel driveway. Sure beats weeds! There are a few groundcovers that I've been using in my part sun/shade areas, though none are grass like. spotted dead nettle (Lamiums) golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia) creeping Veronica ped... 'Georgia Blue' Lamium mac 'Aurea' on the right (pointed bright green leaves w/ pink flowers) golden creeping Jenny on the left (round leaves) My top pick that puts up with foot traffic is Ajuga reptans & I like the way it's filled in between stepping stones near my hose reel. It isn't fussy about soil & seems to spread more if moist, but does okay with less water if you mulch well. You might find out how it does locally for you on a regional forum.

I can ask her sometime. She thinks she's got the info in a cellar file cabinet. I was curious as I am helping her while she recovers from some surgery. I believe it was within the past few years. We are in Zone 5a and she keeps her container plants in an unheated garage with a window for the winter. Could this rose be 'Penelope'? I'll help her move them from the two gallon pots (if she wants) in that later part of the summer or fall. Or, I suppose she could prune some of the root if she want to keep them small and in the 2 - 3 gallon pots? Thanks for your response. She's getting stronger, so perhaps it won't be but another few weeks before she can get around better.