I spent the evening in my garden tending to issues. I almost didn't do the insecticidal soap because it also kills beneficial insects and I wasn't sure I wanted to do that. I looked at the bottom of the rose leaves again and there weren't any bugs on them. But I put it together with Kirk's and a grater:
You know what? Grating the soap was really easy and it smells nice, too.
Into ye olde vintage avocado green Tupperware cannister, but I didn't make enough to keep it. I swished the grated bits in hot water, then put it on the leaves. I tried to be really careful, but there was a bug inside one of the flowers and I instinctively touched him to pull him out of the flower. With the soap, the oily, suffocating soap on my fingers. Sad. I hate stuff like that. I should have just left well enough alone, but the plant can't do photosynthesis if it doesn't have leaves. Oh, shoot.
I took a photo of the rose bush, but it just looked the same as the other day. You couldn't tell. It wasn't worthy. So imagine a soapy rose bush, eh? Thanks.
I moved on and used what little soap I had left to wash up a few things in the backyard. Then I decided to finish cleaning up the peony bushes and I found that there were was a surprising number of good buds left on them. The majority of the flowers came off and now the plants are not so huge. I will spread the rest of the mulch over the old petals. In the past I would concern myself with all the peony petals on the ground, but now I just think of it as next year's soil. 
Probably the most labor-intensive work I do all year in here.
In other news, I went to the doctor today to find out what I did to my foot when I got out of bed yesterday. She asked me about the two most recent injuries and pointed out that they both happened in the house and barefoot and she said, "No more barefoot in the house or anywhere else."
Killjoy. At least it isn't broken! I can keep walking on it!
And then at work today, right at the end of the day, I got a placement! A candidate I've worked with since 2006 got a job that he interviewed for earlier this week. I'm tickled pink.
It was a very, very good day.
8 comments:
Lucky candidate...that is a good day. I have peony blossoms all over and you're right...they are next year's soil. I didn't know about using the soap...interesting...Michelle
You so sound like my youngest daughter in regards to killing bugs...she catches spiders and takes them outside.
I've used soap but I also worry about killing the beneficial insects. I think I need to do a little more research. :)
Enjoyed hearing about your garden, and how you keep on top of the pesties.
it's a dilemma about how to deal with insect pests. As you say if plants don't have leaves they're not much good....
I used to always use Safer's soap on my vegetable garden but I have basically been letting nature take its course with my wild garden. There are a lot of flowers though with holes in them which has made me consider spraying them with safer's soap. I've never use grated soap. Looks interesting.
I hope your foot gets better soon. I stopped going barefoot outside years ago because my feet are such a mess but I can't stand wearing shoes inside, so if anything I only wear socks inside.
You are a recruiter too? Did I know that? 'Cause I am too. Congrats on the placement!
I liked your good news. Hope the soap thing works - you sound so organized. I once used dishwashing liquid on a rose bush. Not much since.
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