Continue your regular spray program. Be on the lookout for powdery mildew as the cooler nights and humidity in September can provide the perfect environment for this fungal disease. Pay special attention to those bushes that do not have good air circulation, as those bushes are more susceptible to the disease.

Be on the alert for rose midge. If you see some damage take quick action. Please refer to the article that appeared in the August newsletter.

Keep your rose beds neat and clean. Pick up all diseased leaves and plant debris. If you have a little time strip the lower leaves from the stems and prune out all twiggy growth at the base of the plant. It is a good idea to have the lower leaves removed before applying the winter protection. By not removing the lower leaves, you may leave undetected black spot leaves over wintering in your garden.

Instead of deheading, just strip the petals from each bud. This will allow the plant to form seed hips which will trigger a slow down in new growth as we head into fall.

Do not fertilize after August. You do not want to encourage new growth that will not harden off before the onset of cold weather.

Share your roses! After you have your garden in shape, invite some of your friends and neighbors over to see the rose garden. I am sure they would appreciate seeing your lovely roses, and there is no better place to educate the public about the rose than in your garden.

Above all, enjoy your roses. After all of your hard work this summer they will reward you with a beautiful display. The cooler days and nights will not only increase the size and quantity of your blooms, but the colors will intensify.