It’s always a joy to see something new visiting the garden. This past weekend I was out and about in the yard and spotted a new butterfly to me, the Checkered White (Pontia protodice). A handsome butterfly that appears white with brown markings and (to me) a powdery blue body. This was something that I…
Category: Beneficial Insects
Stupendous Liatris
You may be aware of the spiked gayfeather that graces florist bouquets, but this is just the beginning of all Liatris has to offer. People unfamiliar with the plant are often surprised to find out it is a native. Nothing beats the intense purple color of flower spikes that manage to hold themselves up without…
High Temperatures Affect Tomato Production
With the week’s high temperatures, watch for tomato fruit set to be delayed. This is because pollen dies when temperatures reach 85 degrees F. or higher. Dead pollen means flowers don’t get pollinated and unfertilized flowers will fall to the ground, resulting in reduced production. Gardeners often want to know if hand pollination will help…
When Treating for Japanese Beetles Isn’t a Good Idea
Those pesky Japanese beetles have broad appetites! They feed on roses, trees, perennials, vines and even our vegetable plants. Knocking them into a pail of soapy water is certainly a satisfying (read vengeful) way to keep their numbers down. But when their numbers are overwhelming, it’s tempting to look for an insecticide to stop the…
Tigers, Trumpets, Turks Cap – Oh My!
There are hundreds of plants that have the common name lily. I like to refer to plants in the Lilium genus as garden lilies or true lily. These are perennial plants that grow from underground bulbs that can be planted either in the spring or the fall. They are a great addition to any full…
Pollinators and the food we eat
It has been well-established and well-discussed that pollinators are responsible for the production (and reproduction) of about 35 percent of the crops that we grow for consumption. While most of the staple crops like corn and wheat are wind pollinated and don’t require a pollinator, our diet is much more varied and interesting thanks to…
National Pollinator Week: Soldier Beetles
What a happy combination—soldier beetles and butter daisies! The soldier beetle, Chauliognathus spp., is a ½ inch long insect that gets its name from its wing covers, which resemble a uniform. It may remind you of the lighting bug, and rightly so, since they are related. Both the larvae and adults of soldier beetles feed…