In the summer, the insects seems to come out to play. And if you are one of those people that the insects just seem to be attracted to, it can get fairly uncomfortable. Many people, worried about chemicals and pesticides, have turned to natural remedies to this problem. The essential oils in many herbs and plants are used to make insect repellent (such as oil of lemongrass which makes citronella). And although the jury is out about the effectiveness of plants to completely eliminate insects, most do agree that by cultivating the right plants and flowers in your garden you can cut down on the numbers you see and experience. At Julia’s Florist, we’d love to help you to create an outdoor space with some of nature’s very own “pesticides”.These are the main ornamental flowers that may reduce the insect population in your outdoor spaces.
Allium: Regarded as a broad-spectrum natural insecticide. They repel numerous insects that plague vegetable gardens, including slugs, aphids, carrot flies and cabbage worms.
Chrysanthemum: Repel roaches, ants, Japanese beetles, ticks, silverfish, lice, fleas, bedbugs, spider mites.
Marigold: The scent from various types of marigolds repels aphids, mosquitoes and even rabbits.
Petunia: Repel aphids, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers and squash bugs.
Six common herbs are also said to repel mosquitoes and other annoying insects. The scent from fragrant herbs comes from tiny globules that contain the essential oils, and these oils are often turned to vapors in high temperatures. Each of these herbs seems to specialize in certain types of insects that may avoid the aroma when it is released – ironically, the fragrance of these herbs is often what we love the most!
Basil: Repels house flies and mosquitoes
Lavender: Repels moths, fleas, flies and mosquitoes
Lemongrass: Repels mosquitoes.
Lemon thyme: Repels mosquitoes
Mint: Repels mosquitoes
Rosemary: Repels mosquitoes and a variety of insects harmful to vegetable plants.
Your summer garden can be beautiful, colorful, fragrant – and productive! Whether an extravagant project, or a little nook for a few potted plants and herbs – let Julia’s Florist help you to create the garden that is perfect your Wilmington summer fun.
