Sunday, July 5, 2009

Insects in the Garden

Wow! What a weed...I mean week. I hope most of you got an opportunity to make some really great purchases during our 50% off everything sale. It was alot of fun and I know I was extremely happy with my purchases. I have to remember to thank the people that knew it was a great idea. Now comes the giant task of restocking and bringing in fresh product for summer. We still have some great sales every week so if you are not signed up for the e-mail subscription be sure and do it right away to know what's happening. Better yet, keep up with the Lynde blog.
Lots of things are happening in my gardens at home. There has been a small amount of damage on my roses from the little green caterpillar. He likes to make lacework of the leaves. I've also noticed some rose chafers in the flowers themselves. I usually just hand pick them and drop them in a bucket of soapy water. Using a systemic insecticide (one that becomes part of the plants sap system) is the easiest way to protect roses from insect damage. If the plant appears to be overrun with insects try using the insecticide EIGHT.
One caterpillar I am extremely fond of is the monarch. I have planted several different milkweed plants (egg laying and food source plant) to encourage them to my gardens. Yesterday, I counted 9 young larva one one plant! Today I went to get a photo of them and there wasn't one left. As I stood there, dumfounded and bummed, a big red cardinal flew down from the spruce tree and landed on the milkweed. I guess he was looking for dessert! Now that I Know who is stealing 'my' Monarch babies I will put up a protective net to keep them safe.

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