Rose question...

I have two rose bushes that were here when we bought the house.
I made a mistake the first winter and cut them down almost to the ground (I thought that was what you were supposed to do).
Now, they are coming back, but all the leaves are lacy and dead looking. I looked for bugs, but can't find anything.

Is there anything I can do? Keep in mind I want to avoid chemicals, so I'm looking for an organic way to save them.

Re: Rose question...

Roses need to be fertilized and watered regularly. I had some bushes in my yard that ended up dying because they were neglected by the previous owner of my house.

Re: Rose question...

It sounds like a rose slug - they work from under the leaf and are dark brown in color.

Any type of rose insecticide should help...there are a few organic ones that you should be able to find at your local nursery.

Afterwards, add some Rose-tone around each rose bush and be sure to water regularly (roses prefer watering from the ground - a soaker hose is ideal...or just be sure to hose them below their leaves).