Two days ago, as I inspected flowers on my farm row, I discovered an army of ants working in tandem with a large infestation of aphids. I live in this constant battle trying to decide between going chemical for manageable pest control, maintaining a continuous rhythm of organic, homemade pesticides, or allowing the cycle of nature to take over. Let’s face it there is a safe way to use chemicals in the garden. And pesticidal soaps, as an organic control, are still harmful to beneficial insects. So what should one do to decide? I think it takes many factors. In my case, I’ve put so much time and effort, all in my free time, that I want to be rewarded with my flowers. This recent aphid discovery, combined with the fact I have not been able to enjoy one rose due to thrips this year. I decide that’s it! I’m going to spray the farm row with an organic pesticidal soap. Yesterday, as I looked at the aphids again for one last push to fill the spray bottle, I noticed the ants were gone. I saw a bright green lacewing and a second one over several plants. As I photograph this angel of the garden, I begin to see the hundreds of lacewing eggs all over my crop of amaranth. That settles it; I will let nature take over and see what happens. Lacewings are beneficial insects with an expansive pest pallet. They will eat Mealybugs, Thrips, Mites, Whiteflies, Aphids, Caterpillars, and Leafhoppers. I want these guys to stick around.

Week 26 recap:

• Finished plantings in the farm row.
• Moved calla lily to partial shade.
• Limbed up the oak trees and cleaned debris.
• Started accent wall in the bathroom renovation.

Week 27 plans:

• Holiday Tuesday! No work; just enjoy the backyard with grilling, lawn games, and a relaxing float in the stock tank.

Week 26 in bloom:

• Hibiscus
• Cosmos ‘Cupcake Blush’
• Zinnias ‘Oklahoma White’
• Dahlia seeds
• Marigold
• Petunias
• Hosta
• Chocolate lace flower ‘Dara’
• Gomphrena ‘Sunset Mix’
• Echinacea ‘Wildberries’