Did someone say Earth Day? With all the media attention on
budgets, possible elections and of course, the Stanley cup, Earth Day can easily be
sidelined, so I’m doing my bit for Earth Day by mentioning Earth Day.
I try to approach every day as Earth Day around my garden.
It isn’t hard as I’ve always avoided using pesticides and herbicides, but now
that pesticides are largely banned, we’re all doing our bit, like it or not,
and the world hasn’t ended.
Sure, it’s more of a challenge to produce a perfect weed
free lawn, but that’s never been my goal. I’ve preferred to plant plants and
shrubs as they’re much more interesting. At least newer environmentally
friendly products are being marketed. Iron or vinegar based herbicides are
available, and although they may not be as effective on lawns as the chemical
products that were banned, they do help, and they work quite well on weeds that
grow in patios and driveways. Meanwhile, I’ll continue pulling weeds by hand
which isn’t difficult as I don’t have many, thanks to mulching every bit of
bare soil in sight, including that in containers.
Dealing with insects in a garden has always been a
challenge, but I never believed blanket spraying with insecticides was the
answer. Of course, I do get insect problems. The red lily beetle ravished my
lilies terribly. What an eyesore. I solved it by giving up on lilies for a
couple of years. I’ve planted a few new bulbs this year to see if I’ve fooled
the beetles into abandoning my garden.
Of all the insects in a garden, only a minority are a
problem. Most others are beneficial. In fact, killing off the beneficial insects
only compounds the problem as an unbalance is created. In nature, no one
species gets the upper hand for long. They all have their enemies and it’s just
a matter of time before one shows up. It’s not only other insects that provide
control. Birds do their bit, too, and there’s no finer sight than a flock of
starlings cleaning out the grubs in a lawn. Is it me, or are there a lot more
birds around now?
Fortunately, apart from plagues of locust, most insect pests
feed on specific plants, so don’t harm everything. I grow a wide range of plants
in my garden and it lessens apparent damage. If just one type of plant is
affected, there’s always another that looks just fine. It also helps somewhat
by confusing insects as they have to figure out where a plant is in my garden
before they can eat it. Consequently, the garden usually looks fine overall.
Weeds and insects have always been the bane of the gardener
and always will be. Making adjustments, growing different varieties, and working
with nature to maintain the balance are ways to garden in an earth friendly
way. If all else fails, leave off the bifocals or reading glasses when in the
garden and take five steps backwards. Weeds and insect damage will vanish like magic.
