Pests, Plagues, and Varmints

Lilactree Farm Garden Notes, No. 2, 2017: Lily Beetles, Weatherland, and A Very Early Spring

– Posted in: Book reviews, Lilactree Farm, Pests, Plagues, and Varmints

"Most discussions of lily beetles are a little helpful and considerably depressing. Many gardeners have abandoned growing lilies because the battle against the beetles is time- consuming and messy. But may I suggest that if (a) you have lots of free time (as I do) and (b) are willing to get some blood on your hands (as I am) that all is not lost. Many hundreds of lilies grow here so you will understand that we have a major interest in this problem. Here are some suggestions." Tips and a book review from guest contributor Brian Bixley.

What You Don’t Know About Bugs Could Make Your Garden Better

– Posted in: Book reviews, Habitat gardening, Interviews, Native/Invasive, Pests, Plagues, and Varmints

Jessica Walliser's new book,Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden: A Natural Approach to Pest Controlrecently published by Timber Press, turns the gardener's view of insects upside down. Suddenly, they are no longer the enemy, but allies you encourage by the way that you garden. Jessica and I had a lively email "chat" that I hope [...]

Yellow Leaves: Why?

– Posted in: Pests, Plagues, and Varmints

A lot of my plants have yellow leaves that aren't supposed to. It's been raining frequently--often heavy downpours--and when it hasn't been raining it's been quite humid. So both the air and the soil are saturated--a recipe for plant disease if the plants aren't adapted to those conditions. Here's what I've been seeing: Can This [...]