Information About Beneficial Garden Friends

There are many beneficial wildlife helpers in the garden. From natural predators that feed on pests and good garden bugs that pollinate plants to other garden friends likes frogs and birds, learning how to make your garden an inviting spot for them can help your garden flourish. In the following pages, you can find useful information on how to create garden friendly areas for beneficial insects and other garden friends. So keep reading to learn more about these wildlife helpers in the garden and how to take advantage of the benefits they offer.

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Mason Bees: Everything A Gardener Needs To Know

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Mason bees aren't as famous as honey or bumble bees, but they're amazing native pollinators. Click here to read all about them.

Learn About The Walnut Sphinx Caterpillar That Sounds Like A Bird

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

We bet you didn’t know that caterpillars make noise. Read about how their squeak and scream scares birds away.

How Do Bees See Flowers?

By Teo Spengler

Have you ever wondered how bees see? Click here to find out.

How To Identify Hornet, Wasp, and Bee Nests

By Amy Grant

Learn how to determine the differences among nests made by bees, wasps and hornets. It might save you a nasty sting.

7 Worst Plants For Bees, Butterflies, And Pollinators

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Not all plants are great for bees and other pollinators. Learn which 7 to avoid in your pollinator garden.

Common Moth Species You Might Find In The Garden

By Amy Grant

Not as pretty as butterflies, moths are pollinators, too. Learn about different types of moths in your garden.

How Beaver Habitats And Ponds Can Help Landscapes

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Beavers are a beneficial part of a wildlife ecosystem. Here are tips on how to support them.

Types Of Garden Spiders That Benefit Plants

By Susan Albert, Freelance Garden Writer

Learn about garden spiders and how they play a part in keeping your garden free of pesky bugs.

How To Create A Backyard Bird Sanctuary

By Amy Grant

Important pollinators that add beauty and a sense of peace in the garden, here’s how to welcome wild birds.

Turn Your Backyard Into A Bee Sanctuary

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

It's easy to welcome bees to your garden space with plants, water and a safe habitat. Read on to learn how.

Hope For Our Pollinators: Raise Easy-Care Nesting Bees In Your Backyard

By Caroline Bloomfield

Not all bees live “communally” in hives. In fact, our most prolific bee pollinators are not the endangered honeybees or bumble bees. “Solitary” or nesting bees, specifically mason bees and leaf cutters, don’t live socially in traditional beehives like their honeybee counterparts, but they’re quite extraordinary in what they do and how they live.

What Do Opossums Eat In The Garden?

By Teo Spengler

If you see a hungry possum wandering around, you may wonder what kind of food it’s seeking. Read on to understand the appetites of opposums.

Do All Bees Sting?

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Not all of them will sting you, but it’s good to know which bees, wasps and other flying insects to watch out for.

Different Plant Adaptations For Pollination

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Learn how plants and pollinators adapt for their mutual benefit.

Best Swallowtail Butterfly Host Plants For The Garden

By Mary Ellen Ellis

What are the best plants for swallowtail butterflies? Click here to find out.

Fun Facts About Honeybees

By Teo Spengler

Our astonishing honeybees certainly deserve a day of their own, considering what they contribute to humanity and to our planet. All hail the honeybee.

Best Shrubs For Butterflies

By Teo Spengler

You don’t need to look far for the best shrubs for butterflies. Their needs are simple and they love native flowering bushes. Click for more.

Butterflies And Bees Affected By Climate Change

By Amy Grant

Pollinators and climate change don’t mix. Click here to keep reading to learn more about bees and climate change.

Debunking Myths About Daddy Longlegs

By Laura Miller

Daddy longlegs, despite their strange appearance, aren’t harmful. Read on for the truth about these gangly creatures, also called harvestmen.

How To Plant In Drifts For Pollinators

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

What is drift planting? Many pollinators seek food from plants in the same species. So when you grow several of the same plant, they can more readily spot their favorite food sources. Read on for more.

Attractive Annual Flowers For Pollinators

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

Nectar and pollen are essential to insects and more as a food source. Read on for our best annual plants for pollinators.

Companion Planting Vegetables And Pollinator Plants

By Susan Albert, Freelance Garden Writer

To have a more successful vegetable garden, try planting companion flowers for vegetables to attract pollinators. Read on for more.

Pollinators In Winter: What Bees, Bugs And Butterflies Do During Winter

By Laura Miller

Once the temperature turns cold and the snow begins to fly, where do pollinating insects go? What can gardeners do to help them? Read on for more.

Pink Pollinator Garden Plants: Pink Flowers That Attract Bees And Butterflies

By Amy Grant

Some people plant flowering plants willy-nilly while others have a theme... such as pink. Read on to learn about pink pollinator plants.

Heated Bird Baths: How To Help Birds During The Snowy Season

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Many gardeners help our feathered friends out in winter with a bird feeder. But birds also need water, especially in a frozen landscape.

White Squirrels In Your Yard: Leucism And Albinism In Squirrels

By Mary Ellen Ellis

If you’ve ever noticed white squirrels in your garden, you've witnessed an interesting natural phenomenon. Read on to learn why.

What Attracts Purple Martins – Attracting Purple Martins To Your Landscape

By Amy Grant

If you love to watch birds then you’ll want to attract the entertaining Purple Martin. Keep reading to learn about attracting Purple Martins.

Southern Pollinator Garden – Growing A Pollinator Garden In The South

By Susan Albert, Freelance Garden Writer

Listed here are some of the best pollinator-attracting plants, and tips to create a welcome habitat in a Southern pollinator garden.

Animal Pollinators: Who Are They And What Plants Do They Like

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

We are all familiar with bees as one of our most important pollinators, but other animals can help as well. Read on for more.

Fall Pollinator Garden: Help Pollinators With Late-Blooming Pollinator Plants

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

Beautiful fall-blooming pollinator plants are available as both annual and perennial flowers. Read on for tips about fall pollinator plants.

Pollinator Predators – How To Protect Pollinators And Plants

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects are prey to certain predators. Create and support a healthy pollinator friendly garden to make sure your local population thrives.

Drought-Tolerant Pollinator Plants – Attract Bees With Native Plants

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

There are plenty of beautiful drought resistant plants and a slew of native plant garden design options to optimize the pollinator garden.

Starting A Pollinator Garden

By Heather Andrews, The Thoughtful Gardener

When planting a new pollinator garden, there are a few key factors to take into consideration: light, soil, and water. Read on for more.

Fall Cleanup – Leaving Bee Hotels to Help Your Pollinator Garden

By Heather Andrews, The Thoughtful Gardener

Pollinator gardens don’t stop being important when the flowers stop blooming. Read on to learn about leaving behind bee hotels.

How Fall Cleanup Can Help Next Year’s Monarch Waystation

By Heather Andrews, The Thoughtful Gardener

Looking to start or expand on a monarch waystation in the spring? You can get a head start now with your fall cleanup.

M Is For Monarch – 7 Things You Can Do to Help Fuel Fall Monarch Butterfly Migration

By Heather Andrews, The Thoughtful Gardener

Watch and learn how you can do just 7 things to play an important role in monarch butterfly migration, including a fall fueling station.

Are Birds Pollinators: Bird Pollinated Flowers

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Do birds help pollinate flowers? It’s a fair question because most pollination attention is focused on bees. The plight of bees is important. They play a big role in pollination and food production, but they aren’t the only players in the game.

What is Planting in Drifts And How To Plant For Migrating Monarch Butterflies

By Heather Andrews, The Thoughtful Gardener

Join us as we continue our tour around the butterfly garden in Adams Ricci Park and learn how to plant a fall fueling station.

Flowers for a Fall Fueling Station – Annuals and Perennials That Can Help Fuel Butterfly Migration

By Heather Andrews, The Thoughtful Gardener

Join us as we tour the butterfly garden in Adams Ricci Park and learn how to plant a fall fueling station.

Monarch Butterflies – The Super Generation and How You Can Help Their Fall Migration

By Heather Andrews, The Thoughtful Gardener

Join us as we learn about the monarch butterfly super generation, and how we can help them on their incredible journey.

Shrews In the Garden: Is Shrew Control Necessary

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Shrews in the garden are generally beneficial. In fact, shrews are important members of the ecosystem and getting rid of them isn’t always a good idea. Shrew damage is usually limited and generally consists of holes they may dig in search of insects. Click here for more about shrews in the garden as well as tips for shrew control.

Flower Shapes And Pollinators – Attracting Pollinators With Flower Shapes

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

Shapes of flowers can actually impact which species of insects visit the garden most often. Learn more about flower shapes and pollinator preferences here.

Creating A Bird Friendly Hedge – Grow A Privacy Screen For Birds

By Amy Grant

If you’ve been thinking about putting in a fence, think about building a privacy screen for birds instead. Click here to find out more.

Bouquet Buffet – Keeping Deadhead Cuttings For Birds

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

You can feed and enjoy birds in the garden using deadhead cuttings. This bouquet buffet is helpful during fall and winter. Learn more here.

Basics Of Keeping Turkeys – How To Raise Turkeys At Home

By Becca Badgett, Co-author of How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden

So you’ve decided to raise turkeys. Here are a few things you’ll want to learn to keep them healthy and growing.

Animals For A Small Farm: What Are Good Hobby Farm Animals

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

Creating a hobby farm is an excellent opportunity for those in both rural areas and city dwellings. Click here for hobby farm animal options.

DIY Pumpkin Shell Bird Feeder – Using Recycled Pumpkins For Birds

By Becca Badgett, Co-author of How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden

Many birds migrate south before winter and, if you’re along their route, you might offer a seasonal treat like a pumpkin bird feeder. Learn more here.

Safe Wildlife Viewing Tips: Enjoying Wildlife In The Garden

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

Native wildlife lives all around us, so it’s important to practice safe viewing in your backyard garden and other outdoor green spaces. Learn more here.

Wildlife In Gardens: Protecting Endangered Animals In The Garden

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Gardening for endangered wildlife is a great way to bring purpose to your favorite hobby. Learn how to support endangered wildlife here.

Keeping Garden Birds Safe – How To Protect Birds From Cats

By Amy Grant

You can’t stop cats from killing birds entirely, but there are some things you can do in keeping garden birds safe. Click here for tips.

Is Pumpkin Good For Wildlife: Feeding Animals Old Pumpkins

By Amy Grant

Once autumn and Halloween is over, you may find yourself wondering what to do with the leftover pumpkins. Is pumpkin good for wildlife? Find out here.

Four Season Wildlife Habitat: Grow A Year-Round Wildlife Garden

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

What are the benefits of a year-round wildlife garden and how can you enjoy wildlife gardening year-round? Find out in this article.

Amphibian Friendly Habitats: Creating Habitats For Garden Amphibians And Reptiles

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Garden amphibians and reptiles are friends, not foes, so make a space for them in your yard and garden. This article will help get you started.

Stag Beetle Facts – Benefits Of Stag Beetles In The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Stag beetles, with rather threatening-looking mandibles, actually pose no threat to humans or gardens. Learn about these friendly insects here.

DIY Bee Nest Ideas – How To Make A Bee House For Your Garden

By Amy Grant

Bees need our help now more than ever, as their numbers are on the decline. They need a place to call home. Learn how to create a homemade bee nest here.

Bees Garden In Pots – Growing A Container Pollinator Garden

By Laura Miller

Growing a container pollinator garden is not difficult and a great way to help provide bees with the nectar-rich flowers they need. Learn more here.

Can A Fly Be A Pollinator: Learn About Flies That Pollinate Plants

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Can a fly be a pollinator? Yes, several types, in fact. Click here to learn about the various pollinating flies and how they do what they do.

Beetles And Pollination – Information About Beetles That Pollinate

By Teo Spengler

Do beetles pollinate? The story of beetles and pollination is a fascinating one that you can read right here. Click to learn about beetles that pollinate.

Hummingbird Moth Facts: How To Attract Hummingbird Moths To Gardens

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

The hummingbird moths are unique creatures that gain attention once sighted bouncing about the flower beds. Learn how to attract them here.

Planting Bee Friendly Trees – Adding Beautiful Trees That Help Bees

By Teo Spengler

You may already have borage or milkweed in your backyard, but trees for bees can help these beloved pollinators in different ways. Click here to learn more.

Do Wasps Pollinate Flowers: Vital Role Of Wasps As Pollinators

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Do wasps pollinate and help sustain our food supply? They can do this and more. Click here to learn how wasps are important in our gardens.

Bee Bath Ideas: Making A Bee Bath For Your Garden

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

Plants aren’t the only thing bees like. The inclusion of a bee bath is an excellent way to ensure bee needs are being met. Learn more in this article.

What Are Spider Wasps – Learn About Spider Wasps In Gardens

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Spider wasps are not uncommon in the garden, as they eat nectar and prey on spiders. Learn whether or not you need to control them here.

Are Mealybug Destroyers Good: Learn About Beneficial Mealybug Destroyers

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

What is a mealybug destroyer and is it good for plants? Learn about mealybug destroyer beetles and how to tell them and mealybug pests apart here.

Can You Keep Rabbits Outdoors: Tips For Raising Backyard Rabbits

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

There are many reasons to begin keeping backyard bunnies, but you’ll have to provide for their specific needs. Learn how you can keep rabbits outdoors here.

Garden Snake Identification: What Does A Garden Snake Look Like

By Becca Badgett, Co-author of How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden

It is important to be familiar with the appearance of a garden snake so that it doesn’t frighten you. What does a typical garden snake look like? How many types of garden snakes are there? Learn more about garden snakes in this article.

Turtle Safe Vegetation: Growing Plants For Turtles To Eat

By Becca Badgett, Co-author of How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden

Do you have a turtle for a pet? What do you safely feed the turtle that is both healthy and economical? Click here for plants safe for turtles.

Bees In Hummingbird Feeder – Why Do Wasps Like Hummingbird Feeders

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

If you have hummingbird feeders, then you have probably noticed that bees, including wasps, love the sweet nectar. Although uninvited guests, keep in mind they are important pollinators. For tips on managing bees and wasps at hummingbird feeders, click here.

Identifying Ladybugs – Asian Vs. Native Lady Beetles

By Laura Miller

While most ladybug species are considered beneficial, the Asian lady beetle has earned a reputation as a nuisance bug. Learn how to tell the differences between lady beetles here.

Keeping Bluebirds Nearby: How To Attract Bluebirds In The Garden

By Becca Badgett, Co-author of How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden

Bluebirds are a harbinger of warmer weather that is usually just around the corner. Learn about attracting bluebirds in the garden here.

Raising Pigs At Home: Is Keeping Backyard Pigs Possible

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

While smaller animals, like chickens or rabbits, are popular choices, others may prefer to think even further outside of the box. Keeping backyard pigs as pets is just one example of those who have started raising larger animals in small spaces. Learn about pigs in the backyard here.

Benefits Of Opossums: Are Possums Good To Have Around

By Laura Miller

America's only marsupial tends to have a bad reputation. But are opossums actually good to have around? Click here to learn the benefits of opossums sticking around.

Attracting Monarch Butterflies: Growing A Monarch Butterfly Garden

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

In recent years, the decline in monarch butterfly populations has been of specific interest. Many gardeners ask how to attract monarch butterflies. Which plants do monarch butterflies like? Find the answers to these questions in the following article.

Why Butterflies Matter – Benefits Of Butterflies In The Garden

By Susan Albert, Freelance Garden Writer

Butterflies bring movement and beauty to a sunny garden. The sight of the delicate, winged creatures flitting from flower to flower delights the young and old. But there’s more to these jeweled insects than meets the eye. Learn how butterflies are beneficial here.

What Is A Butterfly House – Butterfly Home Ideas For Gardens

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

A butterfly shelter is an attractive addition to your garden. Most importantly though, it’s a fun way to attract a variety of beautiful butterflies. Exactly what is a butterfly house? To learn more about butterfly shelters and how to build one, click the following article.

Good Bugs And Groundcover Plants – Low Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects

By Laura Miller

If you're trying to find a sensible solution for a steep slope or you're tired of weeding under a tree, you've probably considered planting groundcover. But did you know that some of these low-growing plants also create a beneficial insect habitat? Learn more here.

Plants That Attract Quail: Encouraging Quail In The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Quail are adorable little birds that are quite amusing to watch in a garden habitat. Keeping backyard quail gives one the perfect opportunity to watch their antics. To learn what plants attract quail, click the following article for more information.

Woodpeckers In The Garden – How To Attract Woodpeckers

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Attracting birds to the garden is beneficial and most of us enjoy watching them. If woodpeckers are your favorites though, there are ways to plan for specific needs of this bird to make your garden irresistible for them. For tips on attracting woodpeckers, click here.

Homegrown Birdseed: Growing Birdseed Plants In The Garden

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Cheap birdseeds are messy and may be filled with seeds that birds won’t eat. All too often, budget birdseeds contain noxious weed seeds that may take over your garden. Who needs that?The solution? Grow you own birdseed! This article will help get you started.

Robins In Winter Time: Tips On Helping Robins Overwinter In The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Many recognize seeing the red breasted robin as the first official signs of spring. However, in some areas, robins are year-round residents who may need a little help getting through the cold of winter. Click the following article to learn more.

Winter Wildlife Habitat – How To Help Animals In Winter

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Getting through a long, cold winter can be tough for wildlife. It’s only natural to want to help these creatures with winter survival. However, you need to first be sure your “help” isn’t doing more harm than good. To learn more about helping wildlife overwinter, click here.

DIY Insect Hotel: How To Make A Bug Hotel For Your Garden

By Amy Grant

Building a bug hotel for the garden is a fun project both kids and adults can enjoy. Homemade bug hotels provide a safe refuge for beneficial garden insects. If interested in constructing your own DIY insect hotel, click the following article to learn how.

Garden Plants Toxic To Chickens: What Plants Are Bad For Chickens

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

One important aspect of raising chickens is maintaining healthy living environments - ensuring that the flock is always safe. And this includes knowing what plants are bad for chickens, especially when they’re free to roam your property. Learn more here.

Growing Berries That Attract Birds: How To Choose Berries Birds Love

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

From bluebirds to finches, encouraging colorful feathered friends into the yard can be achieved in a variety of ways, most especially by providing berries birds love. If you’re a bird lover and want more in the backyard, click here for info on planting berries for birds.

Fireflies As Pest Control – How Are Fireflies Beneficial To Gardens

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

By learning more about lightning bugs and about their lifecycle, home gardeners are able to feel more confident about the benefits of fireflies and their ability to encourage more frequent visits from this insect. Learn about fireflies as pest control in this article.

Making A Garden For Lizards: How To Attract Lizards To The Garden

By Laura Miller

You may have never considered this, but attracting lizards to your garden can be beneficial. So why should modern day gardeners take an interest in these scaly remnants from the age of the dinosaurs, and how are lizards good for gardens? Learn more here.

Duck Habitat Safety – What Are Some Plants Ducks Can’t Eat

By Becca Badgett, Co-author of How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden

If you have ducks living in your backyard or around your pond, you may be concerned with their diet. Keeping plants poisonous to ducks away from them is desired. But which plants are unsafe? Click this article to learn about plants harmful to ducks.

What Do Robins Eat: How To Attract Robins To Your Yard Or Garden

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

Watching birds is an enjoyable hobby for many homeowners. As with any endeavor, there are a few tips and tricks that can help to determine how many and which types will visit your backyard. Among the most common are American robins. Learn more in this article.

Cocoon Vs. Chrysalis – What’s The Difference Between A Chrysalis And A Cocoon

By Mary Ellen Ellis

How much do you know about a cocoon vs. chrysalis and other butterfly facts? These two words are often used interchangeably but are not the same. Enlighten your friends and family with the fun facts found in this article. Click here for more information.

Squash Bee Info: Are Squash Bees Good To Have In The Garden

By Mary Ellen Ellis

More gardeners need good squash bee information because these honey bee look-alikes are critically important for vegetable gardening. Learn how to identify squash bees, why you want them in your yard, and how to attract and keep them there in this article.

Bees And Flower Oil – Information On Oil Collecting Bees

By Amy Grant

Bees collect pollen and nectar from flowers for food to feed the colony, right? Not always. How about oil collecting bees? Never heard of bees that collect oil? The following article contains information about the little known relationship between bees and flower oil.

What Are Digger Bees – Learn About Bees That Dig In The Dirt

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

The United States is home to approximately 70 species of digger bees, primarily in the western states. Around the world, there are an estimated 400 species of these interesting creatures. So, what’s the dirt on bees that dig? Learn about identifying digger bees here.

Buying Good Bugs – Should You Purchase Beneficial Insects For Your Garden

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

Many gardeners prefer organic options for pest control. The use of beneficial insects is one which has shown to be especially popular for growers wishing to take a more natural, hands-off approach. But how do you get these garden friendly bugs into your garden? Find out here.

Damselfly Insects – Are Damselflies And Dragonflies The Same Thing

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Gardeners can hardly avoid insects, and while you may view most of them as pests, many are either beneficial or just fun to watch and enjoy. Damselflies and dragonflies fall into the latter categories. This article focuses on the damselfly in gardens.

Insects On Hummer Feeders: What To Do For Hummingbird Pests

By Teo Spengler

Many aid hummingbirds by hanging out feeders filled with sugar-water. But insects on hummer feeders can compete with the beautiful birds for this treat, and there are predators out there that see the hummers as lunch. Learn more in this article.

DIY Chicken Feed: Learn About Growing Natural Chicken Feed

By Amy Grant

Raising chickens can be worthwhile, but chicken food ain’t cheap! That’s where DIY chicken feed comes in. Yes, you can grow your own chicken feed. Click on the following article to find out how to grow your own natural, homegrown chicken feed.

Bee Hazard Labels – What Are Bee Hazard Warnings

By Teo Spengler

If you pick up a pesticide these days, you may find bee hazard labels on the bottle. That’s to warn about pesticides that harm bees, American’s number one pollinator insect, and to inform consumers of how to protect bees. Click this article for more information.

Mining Bee Info: Are Mining Bees Good To Have Around

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer

While much light has been shed on the plight of honeybees, very little is said about the struggle of our native pollinating bees, like mining bees. Click this article for some additional mining bee info and learn more about these important ground dwelling bees.

Pollinator Succulent Garden – How To Grow Succulents That Attract Bees And More

By Becca Badgett, Co-author of How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden

Much of our food supply depends on pollinators. It is important that gardeners provide what these valuable insects need to multiply and visit our gardens. So why not plant succulents for pollinators to keep them interested? Learn more in this article.

Planting Bulbs For Bees – Popular Bee Friendly Bulbs For The Pollinator Garden

By Tonya Barnett, (Author of FRESHCUTKY)

While it is common practice to grow flowers from seed or to add annuals to the landscape, the addition of flowering bulbs can take pollinator gardens to the next level. Learn more about planting bee-friendly bulbs in this article.

Planting A Garden For Songbirds – Top Plants That Attract Songbirds

By Mary Ellen Ellis

A garden has its own inherent pleasures, but for gardeners who love wildlife and beautiful music, it can be used to attract songbirds. Attracting songbirds can be the main focus of your garden or just a small part of it. This article will help get you started.

How Many Bee Species Are There – Learn About The Differences Between Bees

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Bees are so important to growing food because of the pollination services they provide. Many of our favorite nuts and fruits would be impossible without bees. But did you know there are several common bee varieties? Learn about them here.

Thrips And Pollination: Is Pollination By Thrips Possible

By Shelley Pierce

Did you know that thrips spread more than just disease? That?s right - they do have a redeeming quality! Thrips are actually helpful too, as pollinating thrips can help spread pollen. Learn more about thrips and pollination in this article.

What Are Rove Beetles: How To Identify Rove Beetle Eggs And Larvae

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Due to the wide diversity between species, in-depth rove beetle identification is beyond the scope of this article. However, there are a few common identifying factors to watch for, and this article aims to help with that.

Homemade Bumblebee Nests: Making A Home For Bumblebees

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer

Honeybee decline has made many headlines in the past few years, but bumblebee populations are declining too. Learn how you can help by making a home for bumblebees. Click on the following article for additional information.

Creating Bug Gardens: Attracting Beneficial Insects For A Garden

By Teo Spengler

Gardeners have lots of good reasons to try to lure beneficial insects for a garden. But how to do it? Calling them or whistling softly rarely works. You'll want to use insect friendly garden plants to start creating bug gardens. This article will help get you started.

Spined Soldier Bug Information: Are Spined Soldier Bugs Beneficial In The Garden

By Teo Spengler

You may shudder to hear that spined soldier bugs live in gardens around your home. But actually, this is great news, not bad news. These predators are more effective than you are at reducing pests on your plants. Click here for more information.

Hedgehogs In Gardens: Tips On Attracting Hedgehogs To The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Attracting hedgehogs to the garden starts with access, but there are also a few dangers to eliminate and things you can do to make them feel more invited. What will attract hedgehogs? Use the information in this article to attract hedgehogs to the garden.

Flowers That Attract Moths: Tips For Attracting Moths To Your Garden

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer

Very little attention is paid to the declining moth populations. However, moth populations have been declining drastically here since the 1950s. Click this article to learn how you can help by attracting moths to your garden and providing them with safe habitats.

Ladybug Egg Information: What Do Ladybug Eggs Look Like

By Amy Grant

Because you want to encourage ladybugs in the garden, it's good to know what ladybug eggs look like as well as familiarize yourself with ladybug larvae identification so you don't accidently do away with one. This article can help.

Butterfly Migration Info: What To Plant For Migrating Butterflies

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

If you love watching butterflies, it is important to know what to plant for migrating butterflies. Having plants for migrating butterflies attracts them, fueling them for their journey, and gives you a glimpse into their fascinating life cycle. Learn more here.

Getting Ducks To Visit Ponds – How To Attract Ducks To Your Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Native waterfowl are an indicator of a healthy environment and their migratory activities ensure different species at different times of the year. If you wish to know how to attract ducks to your garden, look no further - click here for some tips and tricks.

Grass Pollinators: How To Create A Bee-Friendly Yard

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer

It's time to reconsider the perfect lawn and start creating pollinator friendly ones instead. Learn how to create a bee-friendly yard here.

Neem Oil And Ladybugs: Is Neem Oil Harmful To Ladybugs In Gardens

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer

With organic and chemical free gardening such a big trend these days, Neem oil seems to be the perfect solution to everything that could go wrong in the garden. Neem oil repels and kills many garden pests, but what about beneficials like ladybugs? Learn more here.

Lightning Bug Information – Attracting Lightning Bugs In The Garden

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Attracting lightning bugs to your garden is definitely a good thing to do. These beneficial insects don't bite, aren't poisonous, and they carry no diseases. Even better, most species are predatory, feeding on the larvae of insect pests. Click here to learn more.

Bee Friendly Plants For Shaded Areas: Shade Loving Plants For Pollinators

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer

How do you help pollinators do their job if you have mostly shade in your yard? With the right plants, you can attract pollinators to shade and part shade flower beds. Click the article that follows to learn more.

Bats As Pollinators: What Plants Do Bats Pollinate

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Bats are important pollinators for many plants; yet, they don't get a lot of credit for their hard work. Are you curious about plants that are pollinated by bats? Learn more about the types of plants bats pollinate in this article.

Parasitic Wasp Identification: How To Find Parasitic Wasp Larvae And Eggs

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Parasitic wasps parasitize different garden pests depending on species. To attract these garden good guys, it helps to know how to identify them and their eggs or larvae. Learn more about these beneficial insects in this article.

Identifying Soldier Beetles: Finding Soldier Beetle Larvae In Gardens

By Jackie Carroll

Soldier beetles, in their colorful little "uniforms," are easy to identify. Gardeners celebrate when they find them in the garden. Click this article to discover out why and how to identify soldier beetle larvae in gardens.

Pirate Bug Habitats – How To Identify Minute Pirate Bug Eggs And Nymphs

By Teo Spengler

Pirate bugs in gardens are a gift since the tiny insects eat bugs you'd rather not have around. This article provides some tips about creating pirate bug habitats to attract these garden helpers. Click here to learn more.

Aphid Midge Life Cycle: Locating Aphid Midge Larvae And Eggs In Gardens

By Liz Baessler

Many gardeners buy aphid midge eggs specifically to fight aphid populations. Find information in this article about the aphid midge life cycle and how to identify aphid midge young. Click here to learn more.

Syrphid Fly Eggs And Larvae: Tips On Hoverfly Identification In Gardens

By Amy Grant

Hoverflies are beneficial insect predators that are a boon to gardeners dealing with aphid infestations. Proper identification will help promote hoverfly egg-laying. The following article will help you to identify and encourage syrphid fly eggs and hoverfly larvae.

Assassin Bug Identification – How Long Do Assassin Bug Eggs Take To Hatch

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Recognizing assassin bugs as a good garden helper rather than a potentially scary threat to you puts a natural perspective on the normal cycle of life in your landscape. Learn more about assassin bug eggs and nymphs in this article.

Lacewing Larvae Habitat: Identifying Lacewing Insect Eggs And Larvae

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Lacewing larvae in gardens are a natural knock-out for undesirable insects. They are voracious eaters of many soft-bodied insects that attack plants. For non-toxic pest control, create a lacewing larvae habitat. This article will help.

Beneficial Ground Beetles: How To Find Ground Beetle Eggs And Larvae

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer

While the sudden discovery of a scurrying ground beetle may be a little unnerving, it is actually a valuable ally to the gardener. Learn more about the ground beetle life cycle, including its larva and eggs, in the article that follows.

Selecting Plants For Butterfly Eggs – Best Plants For Attracting Butterflies

By Darcy Larum, Landscape Designer

Gardeners all over the world are creating safe habitats for butterflies. With the right plants, you can create your own butterfly garden. Learn more about the best plants for attracting butterflies and butterfly host plants in this article.

Plants For Pollinators: Learn About Pollinator Friendly Plants

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Many pollinators are declining, but we can help them out. Click here for pollinator friendly plants that attract them to the garden.

Creating Squirrel Friendly Gardens: How To Welcome Squirrels In The Garden

By Liz Baessler

With some creative discouragement in some places and encouragement in others, squirrels can live harmoniously in your backyard. Learn more about creating squirrel friendly gardens in this article so you can enjoy their antics.

Goats In The Garden – Learn About Using Goats For Weed Control

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Looking for earth friendlier options when grooming our landscapes? A cute and safe alternative to many of our fueled and chemical treatments is using goats for weed control. This article has more information.

Host Plants For Butterflies: How To Make A Butterfly Container Garden

By Liz Baessler

Butterflies are a welcome sight in any garden. They will naturally come to feed on many flowering plants, but you can make a butterfly container garden to attract them too. Learn about creating butterfly container gardens in this article.

Praying Mantis Egg Sac Info: Learn About Praying Mantis In The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Praying mantis in the garden provide a safe, biological weapon to combat pesky insects. What do praying mantis egg sacs look like and when do they hatch? Click this article to learn how to find and care for these amazing insect eggs.

Backyard Garden Chickens: Tips On Raising Chickens In Your Garden

By Karen Boness, Owner of Wild Willow Landscape Design

When you first start researching backyard garden chickens, it will seem overwhelming. Don't let this stop you. Raising chickens in your garden is easy and entertaining. This article will help get you started in chicken keeping for beginners.

Keeping Backyard Beehives – Backyard Beekeeping For Beginners

By Teo Spengler

Keeping bees in the backyard is a natural extension of gardening, and means ready pollination for your flowers and plants, as well as a generous honey supply. Read this article to learn about backyard beekeeping basics.

Birdhouse Information – Tips For Choosing And Using Birdhouses In Gardens

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

While most people give it little thought, the bird lover in the rest of us know that part of attracting birds to our gardens means providing them a suitable home in addition to feeding them. So what types of birdhouses are available? Find out here.

Butterfly Garden Feeding: How To Feed And Water Butterflies In Gardens

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Butterflies are fascinating creatures that bring grace and color to the garden. They are also effective pollinators. A successful butterfly garden requires an understanding of butterfly garden feeding, including water sources. This article will help with that.

Wild Bird Seed Mixes – Problems With Bird Seeds In The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Using caution when purchasing wild bird seed will help avoid excess waste, allelopathic effects and unwanted pests. Read this article to prevent problems with bird seeds and ensure a trouble free ornithologist experience. Click here for more info.

Creating Owl Boxes: How To Build An Owl House

By Teo Spengler

Some common owl species are ferocious predators of mice and other rodent pests, so it makes sense to invite them into the neighborhood by installing an owl house. Read this article for tips on owl house design.

Rove Beetles In Gardens: Is A Rove Beetle Good Or Bad

By Jackie Carroll

Ever wonder if a rove beetle is good or bad? Rove beetles are predatory insects that can become your partner in controlling pest insects in the garden. You can find rove beetle facts and information in this article.

How To Attract Bumble Bees: Tips For Attracting Bumble Bees To The Garden

By Mary H. Dyer, Credentialed Garden Writer

Bumble bees are extremely important insects that pollinate many plants. All home gardeners should use strategies that maintain and encourage the presence of these beneficial insects. This article should help with that.

Alternative Pollination Methods: Tips For Attracting Alternative Pollinators

By Jackie Carroll

Honeybees are valuable plant pollinators, but each year we lose one-third of the honeybee colonies in the U.S. to colony collapse disorder. This article explains how to attract and use alternative pollinators to bees.

Beneficial Garden Animals: What Animals Are Good For Gardens

By Amy Grant

What animals are good for gardens? Many of us are aware of beneficial insects. However, other animals in a garden are important too. Learn more here.

Attracting Turtles: How To Attract Turtles In Garden And Ponds

By Jackie Carroll

Garden and pond turtles are a gift from nature. If you have a garden pond, there are several things you can do to encourage turtles to take up residence. Find out more in this article.

Tachinid Fly Information: What Are Tachinid Flies

By Susan Patterson, Master Gardener

You?ve likely seen a tachinid fly or two buzzing around the garden, unaware of its importance. So what are tachinid flies and how are they important? Read here for more tachinid fly information.

Centipedes And Millipedes: Tips On Millipede And Centipede Treatment Outdoors

By Susan Patterson, Master Gardener

Millipedes and centipedes are two of the most popular insects to be confused with one another. Learn more about these insects in this article. You may be amazed to find how beneficial they are to gardens.

What Are Pirate Bugs: Taking Advantage Of Minute Pirate Bugs In Gardens

By Jackie Carroll

Many think bugs in the garden are a bad thing, but the truth is that a few bugs are not going to hurt and many, like pirate bugs, are actually beneficial. Read this article to learn more.

Common Garden Birds Of Prey: Attracting Birds Of Prey To Gardens

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Birds of prey in the garden are not common, but they may show up when their food source is so easily available and can be valuable as pest control. Learn more in this article and how to take advantage of these birds.

What Are Robber Flies: Information About Robber Fly Insects

By Kristi Waterworth

The garden is full of insects, and it can be difficult to sort out friend from foe - one garden visitor who needs a better PR department is the robber fly. Learn more about them here.

What Is An Aphid Midge: Using Aphid Midge Insects For Pest Control

By Jackie Carroll

Aphid midges are one of the good garden bugs. Chances are that if you have aphids, aphid midges will find their way to your garden. Learn more about using aphid midge insects for pest control right here.

What Are Big Eyed Bugs: How Are Big Eyed Bugs Beneficial In Gardens

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Big eyed bugs are beneficial insects that feed on many insect pests in gardens. Learn about big eyed bug identification in this article so you don?t confuse them with bad bugs.

Hover Fly Information: Plants That Attract Hover Flies To The Garden

By Jackie Carroll

Hover flies are helicopters of the insect world, often seen hovering in the air. These beneficial insects are valuable tools in the garden. Learn more about them in this article. Click here for information.

What Are Predatory Wasps: Information On Useful Wasps That Are Predatory

By Jackie Carroll

You might think that the last thing you want in your garden is wasps, but some wasps are beneficial. Predatory wasps collect insects by the dozens. Learn more about them here.

Are Soldier Beetles Good Or Bad – Attracting Soldier Beetles To The Garden

By Anne Baley

Smart gardeners who learn what soldier beetles are soon learn to attract these garden friends instead of trying to keep them away. Read this article for more information on how soldier beetles help the garden.

What Are Predatory Thrips: How To Use This Natural Predator For Thrips Control

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Predatory thrips in gardens can help protect your plants from harmful pests. They eat the bad thrips that are munching away on vulnerable plant parts. This article explains more.

Predatory Mite Pest Control – Using Predatory Mites In The Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Predatory mites in the garden are the security system you need to stop plant eating mites. Discover how to use predatory mites and where to get them in this article. Click here for information.

Attracting Owls Into Garden: Tips For Making Gardens Owl Friendly

By Anne Baley

One of the most foolproof ways to get rid of rodent thieves is to attract an owl onto your property. Attracting owls into garden areas is not difficult, and this article will help get you started.

Nematodes As Pest Control: Learn About Beneficial Entomopathogenic Nematodes

By Amy Grant

Entomopathogenic nematodes are rapidly gaining in popularity as a proven method of eradication of insect pests. But what are beneficial nematodes? Read here for more information.

What Are Green Lacewings: Tips On Using Lacewings For Insect Control

By Kristi Waterworth

Few recognize green lacewings in the garden, although they provide just as much help to a gardener seeking a chemical-free solution to insect pests. Learn more about these helpful insects in the following article.

Tips For Attracting Dragonflies – What Plants Attract Dragonflies To Gardens

By Susan Patterson, Master Gardener

Dragonflies can be an asset to the garden, keeping menacing insects to a minimum. Read this article to learn what plants attract dragonflies so you can invite these helpful insects to your garden area.

Parasitic Wasp Info – Using Parasitic Wasps In Gardens

By Jackie Carroll

Wasps! If just the mention of them sends you running for cover, then it's time you met the parasitic wasp. Using parasitic wasps in gardens is an effective way to control insect pests. Learn more here.

Praying Mantis Information: How To Attract A Praying Mantis To The Garden

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

Most praying mantis information suggests their usefulness in the garden too, so attracting praying mantis can actually be beneficial. Learn more about these interesting creatures in this article.

Feeding Backyard Birds: Tips For Attracting Birds To Your Garden

By Jackie Carroll

Attracting birds to your garden is good for the garden as well as the birds. Natural habitats that provide birds with food, shelter and water will encourage their presence. Learn more in this article.

Frog Friendly Gardens: Tips For Attracting Frogs To The Garden

By Jackie Carroll

Attracting frogs to the garden is a worthy goal that benefits both you and the frogs. The frogs benefit by having a home, and you will enjoy having great insect killers. Learn more in this article.

Honeybee Swarms: How To Control A Honeybee Swarm In Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Bees are a vital part to the garden and most go about their work separately, but rarely a honeybee swarm in garden settings may occur. This article will provide tips on what to do should this happen.

Hummingbird Garden Ideas: Best Flowers For Attracting Hummingbirds

By Jackie Carroll

Hummingbirds are a delight to watch as they dart and dash around the garden. To attract hummingbirds to the garden, consider planting a perennial garden for hummingbirds using the tips in this article.

Bat House Location: How To Attract Bats To A Bat House To The Garden

By Jackie Rhoades

Bats are victims of bad PR from myths that are simply untrue. The truth is, attracting bats to your backyard is one of the most efficient methods out there for natural insect control. Learn more here.

Providing A Garden Snake Habitat – How To Attract Snakes In A Garden

By Susan Patterson, Master Gardener

They may seem scary at first, but most of the time finding a snake in a garden is a good thing. Read here to learn more about how to attract snakes to your garden and take advantage of what they can offer.

Assassin Bugs: A Natural Predator In Your Garden

By Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist

Assassin bugs are beneficial insects, which should be encouraged in your garden. Read this article to learn more about these helpful garden friends and how to invite them to your landscape.

Tips To Attract Ladybugs To Your Garden

By Heather Rhoades

Ladybugs in the garden will help eliminate many pests. Getting ladybugs to come to your garden and, more importantly, stay in your garden is easy using a few simple tricks from this article.

Butterfly Gardening – Using Butterfly Garden Plants

By Stan V. Griep, American Rose Society Consulting Master Rosarian, Rocky Mountain District

One of my favorite garden guests is the butterfly. Read this article to take a look at plants that attract butterflies so that you can welcome these flying beauties into your garden too.

Learn About The Pollination Process And Plants That Need Pollinators

By Heather Rhoades

All plants require pollination in order to make seeds and fruit, but sometimes other factors can prevent plants that need pollinators from getting the pollination that they need. Learn more in this article.

Tips For Attracting Bees – Plants That Attract Bees To The Garden

By Teo Spengler

Bees do the bulk of pollinating work in a garden. It’s thanks to bees that flowers get pollinated and grow into fruit. That’s why it just makes sense to develop a plan for attracting bees to your backyard. This article will help get you started.

Toads In The Garden – How To Attract Toads

By Heather Rhoades

Attracting toads is the dream of many gardeners. Having toads in the garden is very beneficial, as they naturally prey on insects, slugs and snails. Learn more about attracting toads to the garden in this article.

Pollinator Gardens: Creating A Pollinator Garden

By Nikki Tilley, Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden

You don't need a lot of space to start a pollinator garden. Just a few flowering plants can do the trick. Click this article to get started.

Butterfly Garden Design: Tips For Attracting Butterflies In Gardens

By Arista Hageman

Attracting butterflies in gardens is easy to do with the right flowering plants. Read this article for information on how to attract butterflies to your garden. Click here to learn more.

Attract More Butterflies To Your Garden With Eight Gorgeous Flowers

By Arista Hageman

If you love butterflies, then this article will help lure them your way. Next summer, don't forget to plant these flowers and enjoy the hoards of butterflies that won't be able to resist your flower garden.

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