The black and yellow orb weaver spider is one of the most colorful in California gardens. The female is large (body often over an inch long) with the signature black abdomen with broad yellow bars. Hanging in the middle of their intricate web, they’ll patiently sit and wait for the vibrations of a flying insect […]
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National Mushroom Month is an annual observance highlighting the culinary versatility, nutritional value, and ecological importance of mushrooms. Traditionally celebrated in September, it was created to promote fungi appreciation and consumption. It’s a perfect time to appreciate these fascinating organisms that play essential roles in both our gardens and our kitchens. Although we often think
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Predators are one of the primary groups used in the biological control of insects and mite pests. These include some of the larger insects and spiders along with amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Spiders are major predators in the garden. Most common garden spiders are observed in the open during the day are not likely
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The ethereal green lacewing is one of the more recognizable garden “good guys.” With its slender pale green body, delicate gossamer wings, and immense golden eyes, it gives the appearance of a fairy prancing on garden leaves rather than the aggressive predator that it is. Lacewings, also called aphid lions, are natural enemies of several
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June 22 – 28 this year is National Pollinator Week, an annual event celebrated internationally in support of pollinator health. It’s a time to celebrate pollinators and spread the word about what we can do to protect them. Pollinator Week was initiated and is managed by Pollinator Partnership, and more than fifteen years ago the
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Mulch is a popular addition to gardens, offering benefits like moisture retention, temperature regulation, and weed suppression. However, not all types of mulch are created equal, and some can pose risks to both your plants and the environment. It’s important to be aware of the potential hazards associated with certain mulches, particularly chemically treated wood,
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Murderers lurking in garden shadows sounds like something out of a gothic novel. And certainly not something you’d think you’d want roaming around on your tranquil piece of land, but if they’re of the insect type, you definitely do. Meet the assassin bugs. These aptly named beneficial insects are voracious predators of a wide variety
These bugs are good for the garden! Read More »
First, you see them, then you don’t. The glossy new leaves on your dwarf fruit tree vanish overnight. The mahogany-colored foliage on your prize rose is suddenly shredded. Even the tough, leathery leaves of a California live oak show heavy chewing. A closer look reveals little more than ragged leaf edges and missing tissue. Chances
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Egrets and herons are best known for stalking fish and frogs along shorelines, but these elegant birds are also effective predators of gophers and other small rodents. In gardens, fields, orchards, and open landscapes, they can play a helpful role in naturally reducing rodent populations. Both egrets and herons belong to the family Ardeidae and
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Ants marching up and down the trunk of an otherwise healthy-looking fruit tree? Branches or stems that look bumpy and shiny, as if coated with sugar water? These clues often point to a scale insect infestation. Click here to learn more about managing scale.
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