Landscape Butterfly Gardening

Some of the most beautiful animals in the world are butterflies. Rich in color and life, these insects are a pleasure to behold. Unfortunately, many species of butterflies have become instinct as their living space and food supply are threatened by humans.

But it’s not too late. You can help protect them or even increase their numbers by simple butterfly gardening. Butterfly gardening in your landscape works by growing plants that attract butterflies. Done properly, this kind of garden can be paradise for insect wildlife.

The first thing to do in butterfly gardening landscape is to locate a sunny spot in the garden. Butterflies need the sun’s warmth for their wing muscles to work efficiently. In fact, one can usually see them stretch their wings out in the sun, warming up enough to fly.

It is also important to put up the garden in an area that is clear of strong winds. Butterflies do not like strong winds and will avoid those kinds of places.

The next thing to consider in butterfly garden landscaping is to choose the plants well. There are four factors to keep in mind when making the selection. First, they should be brightly colored and scented. Butterflies are attracted to bright colors and strong fragrances.

Second, the plants should produce nectar since nectar is a staple food for butterflies. Nowadays, nectar producing plants are easy to grow. Planting different varieties of nectar producing flowers will attract even more species since some species are particular about the kind of nectar they eat.

Third, choose flowering plants that will bloom at different times in a season. This will ensure that the garden will always be colorful and attractive to butterflies. Furthermore, it ensures a steady supply of food for different species of butterflies.

Fourth, the garden should also have an abundance of host plants for the butterflies to lay their eggs on. The best host plants are the leafy ones where they can be source of shelter and food for larvae and caterpillars.

Providing an area with a rocky ledge is also a good idea for effective butterfly garden landscaping. Butterflies often perch on rocks to bask in the sun.

With the garden being an ideal habitat for butterflies, it is important to avoid the use of insecticides. These chemicals are toxic to butterflies.

Instead, use plants that are native to the area. Such plants already developed resistance to local pests and disease, reducing the need for pesticides. Also, introduce other creatures such as earthworms, ants or beetles. These insects eat up other insects that prey on flowers. Let nature take its course.

Effective butterfly garden landscaping will reward the gardener with a beautiful view of these lovely creatures. But more importantly, they provide these creatures a chance to survive and enjoy life of their own.

Add comment May 25th, 2010

Using Pesticides For Rose Disease Control

After all the hard work, time and attention you put into you rose gardens, the last thing you want is to lose them due to rose diseases or fungus.

Unfortunately, proper planting, feeding, watering and sunlight are just not enough. To have healthy roses, you need to treat them properly to avoid getting rose diseases and infestations of mite and insects.

Rose disease control is an important part of maintaining beautiful and healthy roses. You will need to contend with black spot and powdery mildew on your roses almost every year.

Regular fungicide applications are needed to control both of these diseases. These treatments should also control Botrytis blight and other foliage diseases. You will probably also need to treat for mites and insects. Regular treatments of a pesticide are needed when mites and insects are present.
Here are a few important pointers to control rose disease:

Spray weekly with a fungicide to control powdery mildew and black spot. To rid your roses of insects, use a systemic rose care product. When spraying for insects and/or rose disease, be sure to coat the undersides of the leaves, since many if the diseases and insects that infest roses live there.

To ensure full coverage, spray until the solution drips off the leaves. Six hours of sun a day helps your roses stay healthy. Morning sun is best because it dries the dew off the leaves, helping to prevent fungus diseases.

Unfortunately, the sun does not help when it comes to mites and insects. When spraying your plants, thorough coverage is important in controlling rose pests. Apply pesticides only according to label directions and only when pests are present.

Remember to use caution when using pesticides. Do not inhale or spray on skin or in eyes. You best bet is to wear rubber gloves when applying any pesticide.

Proper pest identification is necessary to know which chemical or organic rose disease treatment  to apply as well as the proper application time. Specific pesticides are suggested for each pest. The pesticides are listed by the common chemical name found in the active ingredient area of the product label.

Look for the appropriate active ingredient on the label and verify that the product can be used on roses. Some pesticide products are ready to use, while others require preparation. Also, some pesticides are harder to find and may require more effort to locate. Always read and comply with the pesticide label to get proper and long lasting rose disease control. Get more Rose Disease care in the Rose Gardening Handbook.

Add comment May 18th, 2010