What’s This in My Garden – Friend or Foe?

Most gardeners think of their gardens as "a happy place" and are hoping it will be immune from pests.  Nancy McDonald from the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton enjoys checking out the many garden "bugs" who visit and asks herself first if these visitors are welcome guests which the majority are, or unwelcome pests?  She has come to realize that enticing and keeping beneficial bugs may mean having a few of those pests for them to prey.

In her garden, Nancy incorporates plants which will attract, feed and provide a habitat for beneficial bugs, creating an insectary garden to help with those unwelcome guests.  In other words, choice of plants can help build a resilient garden.  

This in-person meeting will be held at the Old Town Hall, 821 March Rd (laneway entrance for the Old Town Hall is on Klondike Rd, across from Shopper’s Drug Mart), 7:30 pm – 9 pm (doors open at 7:15 pm). Non-members are always welcome for a visitor’s fee of $5 or become a member and enjoy our 2025 program for $20.

Nancy McDonald has been a member of the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton for 15 years. In 2024, Nancy completed the Pollinator Steward Certification. Nancy is a member of the Ottawa Horticultural Society.

Nancy enjoys her small suburban garden and the birds, bees and butterflies that visit. She also enjoys making flavourful recipes in her kitchen using herbs and edible flowers from her garden.