Ep 242 - Inviting Beneficial Garden Guests

Do hard winters curb garden pests? A listener’s question about whether cold weather reduces “bad bugs” leads to a deeper conversation about beneficial insects, biological control, and sustainable pest management. In this episode, Mary Stone shares insights from the NJ Nursery & Landscape Association’s Total Pro Expo, exploring why most insects belong in our ecosystems and how predator-prey relationships naturally regulate pest populations. She discusses the importance of native plants, plant diversity, layered landscape design, and nectar-rich flowers in supporting pollinators and beneficial insects. Nature reminds us that harmony grows not from elimination, but from inviting more of what sustains life in our gardens and in our garden of life. Companion Blog Post: Inviting the Beneficial Garden Guests Thanks for tuning in!Links to Related Podcasts and Posts you’ll EnjoyEp 237. Roofs to Roots: Reviving HouseplantsHarvesting Rainwater & Snowmelt Wisdom – Blog PostEp 68. Gift of Meadows & Mountain MintGift of Meadows & Mountain Mint – Blog Post8888I'd love to hear your garden and nature stories, as well as your thoughts on topics for future podcast episodes. You can email me at [email protected]. You can follow Garden Dilemmas on Facebook and Instagram #MaryElaineStone.Episode web page —Garden Dilemmas Podcast Page Thank you for sharing the Garden of Life,Mary Stone, Columnist & Garden DesignerMore about the Podcast and Column:  Welcome to Garden Dilemmas, Delights, and Discoveries. It's not only about gardens; it's about nature's inspirations, about grasping the glories of the world around us, gathering what we learned from Mother Nature, and carrying these lessons into our garden of life. So, let's jump in, in the spirit of learning from each other. We have lots to talk about. Thanks for tuning in, Mary Stone  Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone.comDirect Link to Podcast Page