Status Updates From Attracting Beneficial Bugs ...

Loving the interview with Dr. Doug Tallamy.

The plantings that occupy my insectary were not planned with a design in mind. It started as a way to attract predators of the herbivores damaging my roses.

I use an app to help me identify beneficial vs pest insects. I’m testing one plant this year in my garden to help protect from herbivores. So far, it is helping. The plant is Herb Robert a scented geranium.

Familiar with many of the plants described but not all are hardy to my zone.

I do grow lovage and parsley. I like leaves in soup.

I need buckwheat.

Not all mentioned are hardy to my zone. Coreopsis would worth adding to my insectary.

Sadly, I do have some of these invaders.

Been working on that for years.

Invaluable

I checked one of my peonies and found the EFN and ants. Plants are fascinating.

Thankfully, my garden includes many different types flowers.

Need a new magnifying lens. I do have lots of spiders in garden and flowerbeds.

I include water features in my garden dragonfly and damselflies.

I now look for predators before I squish a pest.

Bookmarked the Lost Ladybug website.

Not the kind of book a gardener just breezes through. The information within is priceless.

Thought I already knew a lot about beneficial insects. I was so wrong.

Adding notes and links for quick reference when needed.

Well, it is the beginning of season. I also grow plants for insects, like borage for bees.