Karl -...it was a typo. Meant to say "it IS expensive". And with almost 200 roses plus all the clematis, wisteria, hibiscus, etc. to treat, it's a lot of $$$. I made the rounds several times again yesterday after I increased the dosage to 6 oz. per gallon and it appears it has helped somewhat. Funny Face, who has been infested, only had a few chomping away. And I didn't find any at all on Lady Bird Johnson clematis in front of the house (she's HUGE and they've been taking over there). But still, the JBs were still on Cuthert Grant and Julia Child and some others that I did spray. So I continue to pick and drown. Sure wish the birds ate 'em.

It is hard to diagnose a worm bin over the internet, but you did make 3 mistakes. I can't say whether those mistakes are your problem, or if you made others that we don't know about. 1) Don't put soil in your worm bun. Some people suggest a small amount, like a small handful, but others say it isn't necessary. Composting worms don't live in soil. They live in decomposing organic matter. Everything else in your bin sounds good, but it may have been too much food to start with. If the manure was aged, the worms should have gone bonkers over it. 2) Earthworms are the wrong kind of worms for a worm bin. Earthworms don't like to live in the same conditions that composting worms do. 3) You are turning the bedding too often. Besides the normal turning that comes with feeding your worms, I turn my bins only once every three months or so, and that is only to get the compacted bedding on the bottom of the bin up to the top so it will break down. If the bin smells earthy, you probably have the moisture and C:N ratio about right. If you have too much nitrogen, and you are turning the bedding every week, the bin could be heating up.

If well nourished and watered Arizona ash can live a lot longer than expected. Mine is probably the age of the house or close to it which would be over 50 years old. It was a large tree when we moved here close to 25 years ago. I've planted some small ornamental trees that will provide some shade if and when it dies, but I'd hate to lose it. We've limbed it way up to let in more light. So far so good.

Are you both going? Have a safe trip and OOOOOOh you must be excited to see them. I hope you can relax now and just enjoy life's blessings!