It was early spring a few years back when I received the kind of call that makes any “plant doctor” like me a bit anxious. The voice on the other end was urgent: “You need to come look at the roses right away.” In my 25 years at the Chicago Botanic Garden, no one has ever called me to admire the roses; it’s always a sign of trouble. As the person in charge of plant healthcare here, a ringing phone usually means a plant problem needs my attention.
This particular call was about the Krasberg Rose Garden. Several damp nights had created the perfect conditions for a destructive pathogen. A white fuzz, a sign of fungal spores, had rapidly spread across the rose bushes – almost overnight. We managed to get it under control, but it was a worrying start to the season. Roses are notoriously delicate and susceptible to numerous diseases and insect infestations. Sadly, our colleagues at the Missouri Botanical Garden experienced a complete loss of their roses due to rose rosette disease.
My role as a plant doctor isn’t limited to disease and pest issues like the emerald ash borer. I get calls from all corners of the garden. If the staff at the Butterflies & Blooms exhibition are concerned about a larva, or if there’s a raccoon causing trouble in the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden, I’m the one they call. I like to think of myself as a plant CSI detective. When a plant is struggling, my job is to investigate the cause and determine the best course of action. I examine everything – the buds, stem, trunk, root flare, the soil, and even the plant’s history.
Beyond diagnosing problems, a significant part of my work involves preventative plant healthcare. I collaborate with horticulturists on essential practices like watering, pruning, weeding, and fertilizing. When I spot a potential issue early on, I prefer a patient approach, often letting nature take its course. A good rain might wash away aphids, or ladybugs could naturally control pest populations.
People often wonder how we monitor the health of over 2.6 million plants here. I have two fantastic plant healthcare specialists on my team, and I heavily rely on our horticulturists – they are my eyes and ears in the garden. Our volunteer team, which includes many master gardeners, is also invaluable. Each week, I provide volunteers with maps and checklists, highlighting specific plants and potential pests to monitor. For instance, a typical task might be checking the spirea bushes in the Sensory Garden for aphids.
…to rust…
…to black spot on roses, plant doctors address a wide range of plant health concerns.
For the average home gardener seeking a Plant Doctor Near Me, maintaining plant health doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Gardening should be enjoyable, not a burden. At home, I keep things simple. I’m not a fan of weeding, so I minimize perennials and groundcovers. I prefer woodchip mulch beds and use a mulching lawnmower. The same goes for fall leaves. Instead of bagging them, I use my mulching mower to grind them directly into the lawn, enriching the soil naturally. If you’re facing plant problems in your home garden, remember that local resources are available. Searching for a plant doctor near me can connect you with local experts, nurseries, and garden centers that offer plant diagnosis and care advice, ensuring your garden thrives.
