Insects and a Healthy Garden
Gardening for wildlife can have its challenges. It requires a change of mindset to be less in control and let nature takes its course. Sometimes that is easier said than done.
When I noticed the sawflies on the hardy hibiscus I knew they were busy laying eggs on the leaves. I had to restrain myself from spraying an insecticidal soap on them because I knew soon...
the leaves would be covered in the larvae that would eat the leaves down to a skeleton. Sigh! The end result is not so very beneficial to the plant. Is there a predator who would please come and make a meal of these larvae?!
As the aphids grow they suck a lot of plant sap to excrete the proteins. They then excrete honeydew which attracts other insects, mainly ants.
When I noticed the sawflies on the hardy hibiscus I knew they were busy laying eggs on the leaves. I had to restrain myself from spraying an insecticidal soap on them because I knew soon...
the leaves would be covered in the larvae that would eat the leaves down to a skeleton. Sigh! The end result is not so very beneficial to the plant. Is there a predator who would please come and make a meal of these larvae?!
In another part of our garden the witch hazel is decorated in small hats which were created by aphids. A mother aphid laid her eggs on the leaves in early spring and created a gall around them to protect the babies.
Because you know who loves aphids and is essential in controlling their population...
Hello lady beetle!
As the aphids grow they suck a lot of plant sap to excrete the proteins. They then excrete honeydew which attracts other insects, mainly ants.
Letting all these insects support one another creates a healthy, viable garden;
and, is much less work for the gardener.
It is beautiful to see the garden alive and working in harmony!
