roses unfurling

The 'garden sun' climbing roses have mostly shaken off the aphids and early signs of powdery mildew this year. Perhaps the ladybugs imported via my mother's efforts are helping. I've seen a few of them enjoying a green, wiggly lunch on the budding ends this week. I also tried to catch things early with a spray of baking soda, horticultural oil and water as they just broke dormancy. With some luck they'll stay healthy for a bit...



The clematis are sharing bloom time with them this season, for the first time.

Snow-in-the-summer, lobelia, peonies and roses all blooming this week. And in the background, the Nantucket rambling roses and 'super dorothy' companions are up on the roof, over the arch and budding.