Most of the frozen perennials have been cut back, the compost bins are cooking, and the beds have been mulched. So, besides harvesting my winter greens, there’s not much to do in the winter garden, even in Texas! So, what’s a girl to do?
- I voraciously read gardening books, paying close attention to those recommended by my favorite gardening podcasts like: You Bet Your Garden, Joe Gardener, and The Beginners Garden.
- I take stock of what worked and what didn’t and order seeds accordingly, as well as organize my harvested seeds.
- I continue making plans for the next season, especially making sure that I include Texas native plants that attract beneficial insects.
Today, I’d like to concentrate on #3, beneficial insects. Why do we need them? Insects do a great job of controlling themselves if we don’t foul up the balance by spraying and fertilizing with toxic pesticides. Have you noticed how little bug splatter we have on our car windshieds? This is a travesty! Bugs are necessary for our very survival and we humans have messed up their natural balance.
May I suggest a few flowering plants that attract beneficial bugs and will help restore a healthy status in your garden sanctuary? They include, but are not exclusive: all herbs, allysium, blue mist, coreopsis, cosmos, lantana, sunflowers, tansy, and yarrow.
How many beneficials do you have in your garden?
Bugs moved in under my welcome mat.
If bugs can’t read, please explain that!
I’ve always said that bugs are pests,
but bugs who read (& have jobs)
are welcome guests!