Real World Gardener Insect Deterrent Planting in Design Elements

DESIGN ELEMENTS Planting to Deter Mosquitos The warmer months of the year can become the bane of a gardeners life, or in fact anyone who likes the outdoors, if hordes of insects invade your personal space.  I’m talking mainly mosquitos,  because they bite, but flies can just be just as annoying if your relaxing in your garden, or having friends and family over for a bbq.  So what can we do to deter them? <a href='https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0ZnQ0YguzI/Xo2qwH46ZzI/AAAAAAAAhbg/Ez_ruW2kfDk2dfzW-aF0un4gAR5aW4d8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/800px-Pelargonium_graveolens_2.jpg'></a> Pelargonium graveolens: scented geranium I'm talking with Glenice Buck, consulting arborist and landscape designer <a href='http://www.glenicebuckdesigns.com.au/'>www.glenicebuckdesigns.com.au</a>  There are plenty of foliage plants that have a particular fragrance which deter insects, but you have to plant a lot of them, not just one or two. Brushing the foliage releases the scents, so plant them close to where you entertain. Most successful plants are what you think of as herbs: mint, basil, lemon scented verbena, sage. Catnip, lavenders, scented geraniums, bee balm (Monarda spp.) The biggest tip is not to expect the lone rosemary shrub or Tea tree Mozzie Blocker (Leptospermum liversidgei) , to do that heavy lifting in terms of fragrance.  <a href='https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4C1bjRdJdI/Xo2qb2blWsI/AAAAAAAAhbY/-XXAoZGpVn8lDyWDDnI217WINqYD1ViGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/759px-Leptospermum_liversidgei.jpg'></a> Mozzie Blocker tea tree. Plant them right around the area where you sit and enjoy your garden so they act as a buffer zone between you and the insects. <ul><li>You need an armarment of plants between you and the invading hordes.</li> </ul> If you want to know more or if you have any questions about plants to deter mosquitos, why not email <a href='mailto:realworldgardener@gmail.com'>realworldgardener@gmail.com</a> or write in to 2RRR P.O. Box 644 Gladesville NSW 1675.