This Dublin Bay rose was the first to flower this summer in our cottage garden. There’ll soon be many more, provided the aphids don’t get them. I know you’re supposed to squash aphids with your fingers, but I’m not keen on doing this. Another method is to hose them off, but our hose doesn’t quite reach to the front garden. Maybe the birds will eat them all?
“The first rose is a welcome sight
which whets the aphids’ appetite.”
We have Dublin Bay too and I see one bud has come out but is not well formed. Our plant is not in the best spot which is a pity because it is a wonderful climber. We need ladybirds and wax-eyes to eat those pesky aphids.
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Our Dublin Bay was planted in 1987, and happily climbs over the front fence. There are two flowers open now, and two more buds close to opening.
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Oops I pressed “send” before saying that your photo is glorious!
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Thank you, OG.
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I plant garlic beside the roses – keeps the aphids away like a charm!
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I tried that one year, but the garlic didn’t flourish. Maybe I could try again, but I think it’s too late. Garlic should be planted at the winter solstice.
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The aphids haven’t found my roses yet but they are very merry in other parts of the garden. Grrrrr.
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They’ve found some of my roses, but not others . . . . . . . yet. Grrrrr indeed.
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Spraying with detergent in water is supposed to get rid of the aphids. The rose is beautiful.
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i might have to try that.
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Soapy water from the washing machine can do the trick.
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I’m going to have to try the soapy water trick. I just need to find something to spray it with – off to the garden shed.
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