I'm also still wondering if it was rabbits eating the roses. I have seen both jackrabbits and cottontails around.
A jackrabbit has babies nesting in the mint patch just a short distance from the rose bushes. I think she must have put her babies there because the scent of mint will mask their scent. I know they are future plant eaters, but they are so sweet, I'm keeping the dogs from going in that area!
