Floribunda Rose "Moondance". In Protective Custody.

The Refugee., a photo by Leenechan on Flickr.

The bud I clipped off several days ago is almost completely open. I don't see any thrip damage yet. The difference between this flower and the three I had left on the plant is pretty sad. I'm going to have to keep taking off the buds until the thrips are gone for good. Since this is "Moondance"'s first year, that's probably a good idea anyway.

In spite of these problems, I have Buck roses "Quietness" and "Prairie Sunrise" on order for the new garden beds. Since the miniature yellow rose bush doesn't have thrips, and the new roses would be planted a fair distance away from "Moondance," I figure that there's no harm in chasing my dream...