9 replies to this topic

[AnthonyP163]

Hi. This summer I plan to fill in my pond and turn it into a garden. I am wondering if anyone knows specific plants that, in their experience, have held aphids, or seemed to make a suitable environment for ants. 

 

I don't expect you to know random plants, but if anyone has any suggestions, please do help! 

 

P.S. 

Not just for ants, would be cool to have other things there too.

[T.C.]

Hmmm... milkweed? That hosts aphids which brings the ants, monarchs and alot of other bugs including other species of moths and butterflies.

[gcsnelling]

If you plant milkweed and other plants make sure to use  species native to your area.

[T.C.]

If you plant milkweed and other plants make sure to use species native to your area.

Yeah, we both live in WI, and I can say milkweed is very abundant and easy to get in the spring in our location.

Edited by T.C., December 29 2017 - 11:07 AM.

[AnthonyP163]

Hmmm... milkweed? That hosts aphids which brings the ants, monarchs and alot of other bugs including other species of moths and butterflies.

Yup, I already have that one on my list. I have a few seed pods in my fridge, will take out and plant in the spring. 

 

On the milkweed plants by my house, there's always TONS of aphids! It's really cool. 

 

 

If you plant milkweed and other plants make sure to use species native to your area.

Yeah, we both live in WI, and I can say milkweed is very abundant and easy to get in the spring in our location.

 

And yes, there's a lot of Milkweed in my area too. 

[T.C.]

There's another plant that I know of, however I don't know what it's called. I'd have to do some research.

[Martialis]

If you want a few myrmecophiles, try planting something along the lines of partridge pea or Illinois bundleflower. 

Perhaps MILTA can assist with this topic.

Edited by Martialis, December 29 2017 - 8:21 PM.

[Hunter]

if you want something for aphids you might want to look into a show stopping

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Paraplu'

Edited by Hunter, December 30 2017 - 7:30 AM.

[AnthonyP163]

If you want a few myrmecophiles, try planting something along the lines of partridge pea or Illinois bundleflower. 

Perhaps MILTA can assist with this topic.

Yup, was hoping he'd see this topic.
 

 

if you want something for aphids you might want to look into a show stopping

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Paraplu'

Thanks!

[T.C.]

Looking at my terrarium just now, there is aphids in it. No idea how they got in there and the P. Imparis colony I have in there is tending to them.