What are my best options to keep the rabbits away?
A. A fence will give you the best protection. Create a fencelike tree guard of hardware cloth. Sink the lower few inches of this heavy duty wire mesh into the soil and make sure it is at least 4-feet high. Leave it in place the first few years to allow the shrub to get established. Though it is not pretty, it sure beats watching the rabbits devour your plant. Repellents would be my second choice. For best results, spray susceptible plants before animals start feeding. Repeat as needed throughout the year. Choose from one of the many commercial or homemade products. I hear as many complaints as compliments for most products on the market. Q.I have 10 rose bushes, and I am having problems with aphids. What can I do to get rid of the aphids and keep my roses looking good? A. I like using the most environmentally friendly approach to controlling pests. Start with a blast of water. This will dislodge many of the insects and often it is enough to keep aphids under control until the lady beet