Hi gardeners - I'm an urban gardener in New England. It's possible I'm just fussing, but I feel like have yet to see any syrphid flies (hoverflies, flower flies) this year, whereas by this time last year (I think!) they were crowding my sweet alyssum and such as soon as the sun was up ( Read more... )

Busy bugs* overnight!

( photos of insects )

I'm in a new place and eager to get planting on my new balcony (no yard yet, alas). One of the nearby nurseries had a "peach drift rose" for sale; I'm a little addicted to roses and these smelled wonderful, thought it'd be a great addition if I can pull it off. I will note I'm not sure there is enough sun, it's an east-facing balcony and gets sun ( Read more... )

I know many of us interested in the natural world are concerned about the decrease in the number of bees. I noticed myself here in my home on the NSW coast of Australia that there didn't seem to be as many bees in my garden as usual ( Read more... )

Hello! Happy Canada Day!!

I need some help ID'ing a couple of things...

( Pictures this way... )

I've been tasked with coming up with some plants for a butterfly garden. I've got a host of 'tall ones' (monarda, hyssop, sunflowers, cone flowers, russian sage, blah blah blah) but I have to think of some shorter ones for layering. I've got access to tons of catmint but any other suggestions or rave reviews/personal experience? right now the area ( Read more... )

Originally posted by mallt at Garden update

All the new plants planted.
Last veggie raised bed built... now I just need to fill them with dirt & plant my seeds!
Bees moved to new hive.
And now some pictures of the progress...

( Pictures this way... )

Found a friend in one of my Home Depot stores the other day!
( Cut for space )

First question... My asparagus first have little black/white/red bugs on them, then tiny eggs, then larvae of increasing size. Gray worms. Other than squishing them between my fingers, I have found no way of getting rid of them, and no matter how many I squish, there are more. Can anyone recommend a way to get rid of them? Chemical or otherwise. I' ( Read more... )

Hello!

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for fall blooming flowers as I would like to extend the nectar flow for my bees for as long as possible. I'm in zone 3 so I fully understand that there are years when we bypass fall altogether :D but for the years when the weather is feeling cooperative it would be nice!