The term "beneficial" is thrown out a lot in the gardening world. If you're not sure what it refers to, it's typically referring to various arthropods and creatures that live in your garden and are 'beneficial' to its health. Beneficials are also the number one reason NOT to use insecticides, herbicides and other toxic chemicals in your everyday gardening practices.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
What's a Pest? (and Figuring Out If it Really is or Not)
As an outdoor enthusiast and someone who works at a nursery, I run across all sorts of insects, spiders and other arthropods on plants and in their natural habitats. I'm also one of those people that hates the thought of killing anything, realizing everything has a place (even if it happens to be on one of my plants). By definition a pest is an annoying person or thing; a nuisance; or an injurious plant or animal that is especially one harmful to humans.
While many people get queezy, scared or downright frustrated at the sign of any arthropod, people need to take a step back and realize that just because you're frightened of it doesn't necessarily give you the right to destroy that creature.
While many people get queezy, scared or downright frustrated at the sign of any arthropod, people need to take a step back and realize that just because you're frightened of it doesn't necessarily give you the right to destroy that creature.
The Hows, Whats and Whys of Rain Gardens
Rain gardens are an important, beautiful addition to any yard, especially those in urban landscapes. What is a rain garden? Well, in simple terms a rain garden is a landscaped area that is slightly depressed. When put in the correct location, these gardens absorb much of the rain runoff and snow meltoff that can become polluted when crossing roads, lawns, driveways and roofs.
The plants in rain gardens help filter out this water before it goes into storm drains and pollutes local bodies of water. Every time rain and snow run across these areas, the water picks up various pollutants such as pesticides, chemicals and fertilizers. Because the rain garden is slightly depressed, it helps the roots of these plants capture this polluted water and catches what is not easily absorbed.
The best plants for rain gardens are sturdy, native perennials that do well in both wet and dry conditions. Natives are hardier than non-native species; they require little maintenance, little fertilizers and have strong root systems that are accustomed to local soils.
When planning your rain garden, you'll need to take some measurements, pinpoint runoff locations and make final decisions regarding plants, location and size. During heavy spring rains, try to locate where your water runs to and where any puddles may develop. Start at your downspouts and follow water as it runs through your property toward storm drains.
For more information on how to plan and measure for your rain garden, visit the University of Wisconsin Extension's online pamphlet: Rain Gardens: A How-To Manual For Homeowners.
The plants in rain gardens help filter out this water before it goes into storm drains and pollutes local bodies of water. Every time rain and snow run across these areas, the water picks up various pollutants such as pesticides, chemicals and fertilizers. Because the rain garden is slightly depressed, it helps the roots of these plants capture this polluted water and catches what is not easily absorbed.
The best plants for rain gardens are sturdy, native perennials that do well in both wet and dry conditions. Natives are hardier than non-native species; they require little maintenance, little fertilizers and have strong root systems that are accustomed to local soils.
When planning your rain garden, you'll need to take some measurements, pinpoint runoff locations and make final decisions regarding plants, location and size. During heavy spring rains, try to locate where your water runs to and where any puddles may develop. Start at your downspouts and follow water as it runs through your property toward storm drains.
For more information on how to plan and measure for your rain garden, visit the University of Wisconsin Extension's online pamphlet: Rain Gardens: A How-To Manual For Homeowners.
Invading the Truth About Invasive Plants
An invasive plant is one that is not native to an area, can reproduce quickly and spread over large areas in a relatively low amount of time. Because of their reproductive abilities, these plants can choke out native species; this creates a problem for not only the direct local ecosystem, but in some way for the entire ecosystem of the planet.
Most, but not all, invasive plants were brought to the United States as ornamentals for landscapes. Sadly, many nurseries still sell invasive plants due to their popularity and an uneducated -- and sometimes uncaring -- general public.
According to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, invasive species are second only to loss of habitat as far as threats to global biodiversity go. While it may not seem like a large threat, choking out native species is detrimental. These quick-growing invasive species outcompete our precious natives for sunlight, vital nutrients from the soil and precious space.
Some may think this still doesn't sound like a problem. What's wrong with plants taking over for other plants? A lot, actually. Our native plants are homes, food sources and vital players in local habitats. Some species are so aggressive that they may wipe out almost all native plants in an area.
Forests, fields and waterways are all invaded by these unlikely monsters, causing messes that are not easily cleaned up by man.
How can you prevent invasive species? It's rather simple if you know what you're looking for. Before adding to your landscape or garden, research the plants you are interested in. Native plants are always the way to go, but there are many non-native species that are not invasive. Only shop from garden centers and nurseries that refuse to sell invasive plants.
For more information, visit Invasive.org, a one-stop information hub on invasive plants, insects, pathogens and animals. Your local university's extension service should also have detailed information on invasive plants.
Most, but not all, invasive plants were brought to the United States as ornamentals for landscapes. Sadly, many nurseries still sell invasive plants due to their popularity and an uneducated -- and sometimes uncaring -- general public.
According to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, invasive species are second only to loss of habitat as far as threats to global biodiversity go. While it may not seem like a large threat, choking out native species is detrimental. These quick-growing invasive species outcompete our precious natives for sunlight, vital nutrients from the soil and precious space.
Some may think this still doesn't sound like a problem. What's wrong with plants taking over for other plants? A lot, actually. Our native plants are homes, food sources and vital players in local habitats. Some species are so aggressive that they may wipe out almost all native plants in an area.
Forests, fields and waterways are all invaded by these unlikely monsters, causing messes that are not easily cleaned up by man.
How can you prevent invasive species? It's rather simple if you know what you're looking for. Before adding to your landscape or garden, research the plants you are interested in. Native plants are always the way to go, but there are many non-native species that are not invasive. Only shop from garden centers and nurseries that refuse to sell invasive plants.
For more information, visit Invasive.org, a one-stop information hub on invasive plants, insects, pathogens and animals. Your local university's extension service should also have detailed information on invasive plants.
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