When considering pests, we need to take a broader perspective. In this case, I noticed aphids on my catnip plant, then spotted the aphids and ants. What’s going on when aphids, ants, and ladybugs are on the same plant? What Do Aphids Do? Aphids are sap sucking insects that are very common on vegetables and ...
Read More | Pest PatrolAutumn is in the air, but the garden is far from finished. As I picked raspberries this morning while it was chilly enough to thwart the wasps, I thought of the pollinators and whether there were enough blossoms to keep them busy. Here are a few ideas for late-season blooms that will provide food for ...
Read More | Pest PatrolLast week we had a warm day — without wind — and it felt like the perfect time to see how the gardens fared. With recent bouts of sub-zero weather, most everything is still very brown and dormant, but even so, it reminded me that there are reasons to not disturb the garden in the ...
Read More | Pest PatrolWhen we think of pollinators in our gardens, bees and butterflies often steal the spotlight. However, there's another group of unsung heroes that play a vital role in our ecosystems: hover flies, also known as flower flies or syrphid flies. These inconspicuous insects might resemble house flies, bees, or wasps, but they hold a unique ...
Read More | Wildlife Gardening JournalYesterday evening, I looked up in twilight to see dozens and dozens of insects darting and dancing in the sky above my yard, outlined against the setting sun. At first, I thought they must be mosquitoes, there were so many of them. But as I watched, mesmerized, I realized, no, those are dragonflies! A cloud ...
Read More | Wildlife Gardening JournalThis weekend, I encountered several different wasps while working in my yard. I'm not afraid of most wasps, but I'm not deathly allergic to their stings, either. Even if you are, it might not be necessary to run for the bug killer. Most wasps in the garden are non-aggressive; only a few are likely to ...
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