Update 1 March 2016. Garden club members have spotted Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs on the move already this spring. “It is not too early to start brown marmorated stink bug patrol” says S.G. ” I have found both live ones and dead ones – yeah! – in the house.” And M.T. says, “I found an … Continue reading
Category Archives: Pests
Caring for our friends the Bees
At this time of year, it seems that every ad promotes the sale of RoundUp. When they particularly mention dandelions, we should be worried. While bees like all sorts of flowers they seem to like dandelions a lot and dandelions are in flower all summer. This concern led me to call my Green Man, Thom … Continue reading
The Hunt for Slug and Snail
I’m out in my garden at 6:00 a.m. To do battle with slug and snail. Armoured with gloves and booted feet To search for their clear, sticky trail. Under every leaf, rock and stick, I poke my bottle of spray, For no place of hiding can be left unturned In the quest of slimy … Continue reading
Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) – removal recommended
“The Columbian” newspaper article of August 13, 2014 warns residents of the highly invasive nature of this tree. Fondly noted in the book “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” for its tenacious ability to grow even through a crack in the cement in the heart of Brooklyn, the tree lives up to its name and is … Continue reading
Eek! Hobo Spiders!
One of our members has seen five “Hobo Spiders” (aka Tegenaria agrestis) inside her house in the last week (the house has been empty for many months). They tend to enter homes in the Pacific NW in late July through October. We’d like to remind members to take care as some bites can become infected … Continue reading
Downy Mildew – Pseudoperonospora cubensis!
Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is that a word for everyday conversation? Yes! Especially if you are growing summer squash, cucumbers, pumpkins and the like. Maybe I need a dictionary! Anyway, as fall nears, then it’s good-bye to the all-important summer sun and heat. Then to make the situation worse vine plants are crowded, need air circulation, improperly … Continue reading
It’s that time again – Deer Repellent Recipe – eggs & water! (Assuming it stops raining to apply!)
6 eggs & one gallon of water working effectively as a deer repellent for several Garden Club members who’ve tried it! UPDATE: a study at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, in 2001, titled “Comparison of Commercial Deer Repellents”, showed that two commercial products, that were effective at reducing deer predation, included “putrescent whole egg solids“. … Continue reading