That sucks about the mites man. They're the worst. I think the cooler weather up here has kept them at bay for me. Had some aphids munching on a few leaves that looked like mite damage but it was definitely aphids. I noticed a lot of lady bugs hatching on my plants this week though so I think they will help. I'm paranoid about caterpillars right now but so far I'm in the clear.
I think I'm going to have to hire trimmers this year. Last year trimming took me and the wife a long time. We both hate it, we're slow at it, and we both get a little OCD about removing every leaf perfectly. Luckily my sister has a small army of trusted trimmers on call so I think I'm going to fire up the BBQ and make a party of it. Just have to figure out how to pay them. Lol.