Archive for the ‘Pests and Diseases’ Category

Mosquito Gardening

May 31st, 2008

In spite of threatened thunderstorms, Misha (our dog) and I headed outside very early this morning to do some gardening. A sliver of sunshine greeted us as we walked out the back door, giving hope for a pleasant few moments of puttering while the village was still quiet and before the rains came.

Barely had our feet touched the grass when we were viciously attacked by swarming mosquitoes! Attempting to ward them off by flailing my arms around in the fashion of a very primitive dance did little to deter the biting monsters. My dance developed into an interesting blend of awkward movements that included shushing mosquitoes away from Misha while attempting to outrun them myself. This did little to help prevent either of us from being accosted. Within minutes he was standing by the door, wanted to be let in again. When Misha wants inside, you know it’s bad! In he went, but I, being ever so tough, watered plants. Bad move. Mosquitoes love water. Then I decided to trim a yew hedge. Another bad move. The mosquitoes live in that hedge I swear. So, on to weeding the herb garden. As long as I kept moving, the buzzing and biting wasn’t too bad. The very second I stopped to inspect my efforts, back they came, bringing reinforcements with them. I did eventually finish weeding the herb garden. As I made my way to the perennial gardens, dancing my mosquito dance with the scuffler in my hand adding to the ridiculous sight I made, I decided I’m not as tough as I like to think. So here I am, at the computer, calamine lotion caked on my arms, waiting for the mosquitoes to subside. In another hour or so, Misha and I will head outside and try once more to putter in the gardens. Before we do, I’ll be putting in place every effective anti-blood sucking creature repellent method I know of.

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Posted in HOW TO GARDEN, Landscaping, My Garden, Pests and Diseases, Wildlife | Comments (0)

Bugs Bugging Your Indoor Plants?

January 26th, 2008

If mealy bug, spider mite or scale have moved in on your plants, check out the article on Pest Control For Winter Herbs at Bert’s Herbs. Though written about herbs, the methods work for any indoor plant that is playing host to wee beasties. Click on the link to Bert’s Herbs at the left hand side of this site.

Posted in Chemical Free, Garden Maintenance, Pests and Diseases | Comments (1)