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Do Ants Eat Spider Mites? The Complex Relationship Between Ants, Aphids, and Spider Mites

Some aphid species are known to have mutualistic relationships with tending ants; that is, the aphids supply the ants with honeydew and are protected by the ants. Although spider mites and honeydew-producing aphids often live on the same host plant, it has not previously been determined whether the ants tending these aphids affect spider mite … Read more

How to Plant Water Lilies in a Natural Pond for Stunning Beauty

Turn your pond into a picturesque Monet-inspired masterpiece with this popular aquatic plant. Its elegant bowl-shaped blooms appear in summer, while its distinctive circular lily pads spread across the waters surface, providing valuable shelter for aquatic wildlife. Adding water lilies to a natural pond can transform it into a serene, lush paradise. Their brightly colored … Read more

Dealing with Common Bugs on Rose of Sharon

Safeguard your Rose of Sharon from pesky invaders with essential tips for identification and treatment! Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a gorgeous flowering shrub that brightens up many gardens with its vibrant blooms in late summer. However, like any plant, it can fall prey to various insect pests. If left unchecked, these bugs can … Read more

How to Propagate Aeonium Kiwi: A Complete Guide

These dramatic and often statuesque succulents are finally having their moment in the sun – which is just where they like it. Words Nick Bailey, photographs Annaïck Guitteny Perhaps the best known of all aeoniums in cultivation today is the dramatic Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’. Translated from Afrikaans, this name means black head, which is an apt … Read more

what does a poppy leaf look like

A distinctive group of flowers with thin, flaccid flowers, Our poppies are a popular bunch. With most species flowering come early-summer, I thought now seemed like a good time to cover this attactive group. Remember, this post covers those most likely to be encountered in Northumberland and the wider North East. It isn’t exhaustive. What … Read more