Green Landscapes
Go green in your own backyard. Do away with chemical pesticides and plant foods. Encourage your flora and fauna through green methods. It’s much easier than you think, and you can get the whole family involved!
Think back to the days of your childhood- bugs, birds, and bats were free to roam in our yards. We need them back! They are our natural defense against plant-eating aphids and help with plant health and pollination. Your flowers and plants will thank you, as will the rest of the planet.
Welcome back birds with shelter and food. Birds eat the grubs and beetles that we do not want in our yards. Birdhouses and feeders will shelter birds and have them flocking back to your yard to help with pest control. An attractive birdbath filled with water, is not only a great garden accessory, but a bird haven. Have children coat pinecones in peanut butter and dip them in birdseed for an instant birdfeeder. Hang them in trees and watch the birds feast on this treat!
Bugs, not so great at picnics, are useful in the garden! Larger bugs, like preying Mantises will eat aphids and others that attack plants. No more need for spraying chemicals if all of the bugs in the chain are there. Teach your children about the importance of bugs in the garden and how they help in the plant chain. Bees, obviously, help with pollination and keep our flowers blooming. Plant large groupings of brightly colored flowers to attract honey bees. They are in danger and we need to nurture the bee population- a vital creature in the outside world.. Bee skeps and houses add to the ambience of a garden and will attract bees as well.
To control the peskiest bug of all, the dreaded mosquito, invite bats and toads back to your yard. Bats are nocturnal and really patrol at night, looking for their food. Bat houses, in discreet spots, will bring these creatures back and help fight against mosquitos. Toads live in gardens and need shade- turn over a couple of flower pots and they will take up residence, eating mosquitos along the way! What child doesn’t delight in toads and frogs-just make sure they stay outside!
By using techniques from yesteryear and involving the whole family, we are able to do away with sprays and pesticides. If these ideas are not totally successful, or the thought of toads and bats make you squirm, purchase pesticides and plant food that are organic and safe for your family! Enjoy your summer, with all of the creatures!