Just a quick comment to say that first damage and first few Japanese beetles were spotted about 7:00 AM this morning. And it's still damp and the sun is not on the garden until later in the day. Those little monsters like hot, sunny afternoons, not cool, damp mornings.
Swarms expected soon. Boo Hoo! Farewell to the Roses may come early this year. I am mourning all the little buds that may not be allowed to grow into roses.
Farron
UPDATE: I removed all of the rose bushes down to the canes on June the 6th. Those nasty bugs will not be getting a free lunch inside my patio this year. I believe the roses were allowed a wee bit of dignity in passing instead of having to display ugly, chewed stumps where buds had opened only hours before. Rest in peace little fellas and I hope I will see you for a small blooming spurt in the fall.
Posted by farron at June 4, 2004 08:05 AM