I is for Insects

As a gardener I have a confusing relationship with insects. Some I hate (boo to Japanese beetles, slugs, aphids) and some I love(cheers to ladybugs, bees and worms).

Of course bugs are not the only living creatures I have to contend with in my garden. Some days I envy my friends who live in housing developments with lots punctuated by of tame lawns and houses. My street is surrounded by forests, meadows, ponds. We are not tame -- and neither are the creatures who wander through our gardens.

In addition to the expected dogs, cats, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, snakes, toads and birds found in every suburban backyard, ours is also home (or at least a

temporary resting place) to Canadian geese, duck, white tailed deer, wild turkey, possums, raccoons, groundhogs, bears and snapping turtles. They are a ravenous bunch who think tulip bulbs are caviar and brussel sprouts are candy. What they don't kill by eating will often falter because someone (I'm looking at you, Mr. Mole) digs extensive tunnels, disrupting roots in the process.

Last year I started a stinky but surprisingly effective method of deterring visiting wildlife. Spraying my hostas with garlic water daily. You actually pop a garlic clove in a spray bottle of water, let it sit for 24 hours and then start spraying. I do not recommend this for plants close to your sitting areas of your garden because, well...I'm sure you can guess.

Thought you'd enjoy some snapshots of some of my local garden lovers.