Funny you mentioned Bayer, Pat. I just asked Frank if we have any in the
garage. We use it too. That would be a lot easier than trying to dump
buckets of soapy water on an 8 foot tall (who knows how wide!) gardenia
bush.

Diana

"Pat Brennan" wrote in message
ng.com...
You might want to try Bayer tree and shrub as labeled, a change for most
orchid growers. Since you pour it around on the ground and let the roots
take it up the birds should be ok.

Pat


"Diana Kulaga" wrote in message
.. .
Well, about a week ago I gave the collection an Orthene shot. Thrips were
showing up, along with the occasional mealy. I was late this year - I
usually try to get ahead of the gardenia bushes, which of course are
thrip magnets. Naturally, I sprayed them too, and like everything else
they are due for a second shot in a few days.

Friday we were out on the patio for lunch, and there was a major
commotion *in* one of the gardenias, a huge one. Two cardinals chased
away a blue jay. You guessed it. There's a new nest in there! It will be
fun watching this play out. But.........

Now I can't do a follow-up on the gardenias. Suggestions? I know the
natural remedies. Think throwing soap, alcohol, etc, at it once will do
it, after the Orthene?

Diana