I am working on a modified rain garden for my side yard. For those who don't know, a rain garden is designed to reduce the amount of water runoff from your home by channeling it to a specific type of garden. This reduces the amount of rain going into the storm water drains and filters the water through the soil as well.
Here is picture of the rain garden just after I added flowers (donated by Patty Edwards whose garden is outstnding -- thanks Patty!) - I still have work to do on it, but you get the idea.... (I hope!)
Anyway, I thought you might like a bit of info on some fairly common insects...
Which of the following Bugs are good for the garden, and which are detrimental?
- Sow Bugs (or pill bugs)
- Spider Mites
- Yellow Jackets
Answers:
Sow Bugs = FRIEND. (Generally). Favoring damp, decaying plant matter they MAY go after plants you prefer they not-such as strawberries (Prop Strawberries up off the ground)
Spider Mites = FOE. Related to ticks, these bugs cause leaves to curl and yellow. Look for fine webs under leaves. Green controls include spraying with strong jet of water every morning for a few days. Using organic soap spray may work and introducing predatory mites may help too.
Yellow Jacket = Depends. Great Pollinators, scavengers, and insect predators. But when looking for meat to feed larvae, they can ruin a back yard BBQ. Trap in plastic soda bottle containing a couple of inches of fruit juice and a piece of meat. Cut holes in the top to let them in.
And of course... as a reminder, if you are planning to buy or sell a home or real estate in Hampton Roads, please call! I can help. You may search my website for all homes listed for sale in our area by going to www.bethanyphillips.com.
Interesting solution to disposing of rain water. Our problem here is when it rains, it pours. Your garden would be under water in no time. At least here at the beach our soil is primarily sand so it soaks the rain right in pretty fast anyway.
Thanks for sharing.
A~