Last weekend’s panic about “the infestation” has, thanks to the work of the ladybugs, resolved itself. There is damage to the plant but the black aphid infestation is gone.
There are stray ladybug larvae and some ladybug “soldiers” still guarding the beach plum.

The neighboring bush cherry and second beach plum were unaffected by the attack. The lesson is to monitor, research and allow nature to take care of itself as much as possible. Thankfully we are pesticide free allowing the delicate balance of pest and predator to manage the garden naturally.

Young bush cherry.

Garden Pest or Beneficial Insect?

Last weekend during a walk about all was seemingly healthy in the garden. Tiny fruits growing, leaves fresh and green, new buds and flowers in bloom. So what happened in the span of a week?! I noticed that one of the beach plum bushes was looking a bit wilted. As I approached I saw in all of my horror an infestation. After going to the books and internet I believe I have figured out that nature will take care of this so I am glad that I didn’t go into a full panic and spray soapy insect spray all over the plant (that would have rid me of pests but the beneficial insects as well.

This “crazy” looking larvae that looks like an “alien sucking the life out of your plant” creature is actually the larvae of the ladybug aka ladybird. Not sure if it is the regular or Japanese variety but in either case this (now that it has been identified as friend) lovely insect is here in masses to destroy the black aphids, the true pests in this scenario. (see the black mass on the stem at the base of the leaves below)

Thankfully the ladybugs are busy making more to take care of the true cause of the sad and droopy leaves.