We are just past the halfway point of our rose growing season.  So far so good.  Our garden has more spider mites than usual.  More powdery mildew on plants that usually are immune and smaller buds than typical.  The weather patterns can account for the first two but the latter is a puzzle to me.  The fertilization sequence is the same as previous years.  Maybe this has something to do with the weather also.  Anyway, the next gardening challenge will be the Fall Rose Show.  The next Society event will be the Annual Member’s Garden Tours and Picnic.  This will be in three weeks (Sunday, August 17, 2008).  Like always, more information is available on the Events Calendar page.   If you have never gone on the tour,  please give it a try.  You don’t get asked to wander around good rose gardens too often.  Here is your chance.  The picnic site is at the last garden on tour (the Franklin Park Garden maintained by Jean and Ralph Stehle).  Ralph is a Master Rosarian and past President of our local society.  Jean will have the patio set of a fun picnic.  Bring something to share and join us.