Linnea, it appears to be the same "Botrytis Fungal Rot" that I've been fighting for the last two ( now, three !) years. Although I have seen no sign of it yet (still too cool for it to show up) I'm sure I will see some bacterial soft rot, as well. It seems that the soft rot wants to "attack" the rhizomes already damaged by the botrytis.
And, yes, the "Whisperer" site isn't the easiest to use.....I'm sure they will get the bugs out, in time.......and things are a bit pricey considering shipping charges, but, everybody is getting higher with their prices / charges.....sign of the times, I guess
As to the "aspirin drench", I AM satisfied that it helps.....not as far as "prevention", per se, but in "recovery"
Tom, most of the goners WERE newly planted, but, there were also many two, or even three year clumps involved. I think the 'key" is a plant that is 'stressed" somehow, either from weather conditions, or physical damage (division, being newly planted, or divided, etc.).
MaryAnn, if it makes YOU feel a bit ill, just imagine how I feel about it
!! I can only hope that we soon see an end to this ! Tom, Brad, you, and me, ...and several others have had a real bad three years from this stuff, and, besides being a lot of extra work, it's rather expensive, as well !
The good news is, ...I have a plan (which may, or may not work out
) and , while I am a LOT of things.....I ain't no quitter !!
