Identifying Plants in Your Yard That Can Make Outdoor Time More Enjoyable
Did you know that some of the most inviting scents for humans happen to have the very opposite effect on irrita
ting insects? Identifying plants that will please your sense of smell and drive bothersome pests far away is possible. Here are a few top picks:
Lemon Thyme
It’s hard to find a more ubiquitously enjoyed smell than citrus. Lemon, in particular, has a crisp, clean odor that most people find pleasing. Insects however, and mosquitoes especially, do not enjoy lemon-flavored air. For this reason, lemon thyme makes an ideal natural insect repellant. Lemon thyme is a creeping, low-growing plant that works well in pots planted with combinations of flowers and greenery.
It is recommended for use in pots because this hardy plant can be invasive. Used correctly, it will give off an enjoyable smell attractive not only to humans but to hummingbirds, butterflies and bees as well. As a complete bonus, this plant can be used as an herb for cooking. It’s a great gardening choice.
Mint
Another easy-grow plant that keeps bugs at bay is mint. Peppermint, spearmint, chocolate mint, apple mint – any kind of mint is anathema to mosquitoes and lots of pests. The mint plant is so easy-going that it, too, can quickly take over so it’s another one that is best suited for container growing. Like the lemon thyme plant, mint is also a welcome addition to the summer kitchen. So, put some mint in pots near where you like to sit outside and enjoy bug-free recreation and a bit of kitchen gardening all at once.
Rosemary
When it’s time for identifying plants that benefit gardeners and drive bugs away, rosemary must be on the list. This attractive, creeping plant loves sun and will come back year after year. Snip rosemary for its needlelike leaves that can be added to marinades, vegetable sautés and soups. Stuff it along with lemon slices in your grilled fish. Toss a few sprigs of rosemary in your campfire and it will keep your campsite gloriously bug-free.
Lavender
Lavender is the one non-kitchen bug-repellant on our list. It is however, quite useful as a scent for inducing calm and restfulness. Birds and butterflies are attracted to the flower but many pests (mosquitoes, ticks, fleas) hate it. Plant this sun-lover poolside, on the patio or near the kid’s playground to make the spot lovely, relaxing and pest-free.
At Kincaid Plant Markers we enjoy helping you plan your garden and then identify plants you’ve chosen. Our sturdy and attractive markers will serve you in all kinds of weather and for many growing seasons. We help gardeners of all varieties in identifying plants and bringing order to their design. Let us help you plan ways to keep mosquitoes at bay and grow attractive well-identified plants this summer. It will make all your outdoor time more enjoyable.
