Although the weather here in Southwestern Ontario has been... unpredictable, to say the least, there is one component of the Summer months that has remained reliable: unwanted bugs.

Personally, the most annoying pest on my own property is Mosquitoes. They have been rampant this year, more so than the first couple years we have resided on our Brant County property. Something in the weather patterns and perhaps the plant growth has led to a insurgence of these bitey buggars, and it is driving us nuts! Or maybe its the uncommonly often and unpredictable rain fall we have been having - keeping our puddles and ponds high!

However, a discussion with my friend Priscilla (RBC mortgage broker extraordinaire) led to the 'plain as the nose on your face' information that we can plant specific plants in our gardens to deter pests! Now, thinking about it, things such as Citronella plants are obvious, but there were a few that she shared that I did not even think about! Pests such as mosquitoes (of course), flies, spiders, and even some herbivore mammals (looking at you rabbits) can be off put.

Here is a list of four plants that can help make your garden (and yard) a less appealing stop:

1. Lavender (thanks Freepik for the image)

Due to the essential oils found in the leaves of this fragrent bloom (not only useful in calming the body or getting a good night's sleep) these plants are great at discouraging unwanted pests (although Bees do love them and can make lavender flavoured honey). It is a perennial plant, so a one time ourchase with recurring use. It is drought resistant and hardy. it does require full sun (ideally), and blooms in Summer to Fall.

2. Rosemary (picture c/o FreePiks)

This tasty herb (great with poultry recipes) is note worthy for its ability to repel moths, flies and mosquitoes. It has a woody, strong scent; this is what the bugs do not like. It is an annual, so it will only last the season unless you bring it into the house over the Winter/cool Spring. It does best in hotter temperatures and moderate watering.

3. Lemon Grass (or Citronella grass)

This strong scented grass is valued for its citronella oil (famous for its anti-mosquitoe properties), and can reach glorious heights of up to four feet! Although it is a perennial, it is not frost tolerant, and can also be invasice; as such, it is recommended to treat it as a large container plant and bring it into the house for the Winter. Otherwise it is a low-maintenance plant.

4. Catnip

This readily available plant is possible already in your garden for your furry feline's enjoyment. It is a very prolific grower, and often tries to take over unoccuoied gardens if we are not careful. However, when managed, it is a fantastic mosquitoe deterrant. Once again, it comes down to the oils in the leaves. There were even scientific studies showing it more effective as a bug repellanet than mand-made chemicals! As a segway, we can also use this to point out that many members of the mint family in general are suitable anti-mosquitoe plants!

5. Marigolds

Not sure if you are like me and were taught to plant Marigolds in vegetable gardens to ward off invading nibbling pests, but here again I come across this information. They have a strong scent that dissuades pests (from caterpillars to mosquitoes) and make a beautiful garden or vegetable plot border. The downside is these plants are annuals, so again, unless you wish to keep them insdie durin cooler months, they are annual purchase. But so pretty!

Thanks Freepik for the image.

Resources:

https://savvygardening.com/is-lemongrass-a-perennial/

https://www.gardendesign.com/plants/mosquito-repellent.html

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/06/04/bug-mosquito-repellent-plants/85400368/