Goin' to ladybird mansion, down at last aphid farm
Did you know that one ladybird (or ladybug, for us westerners) will eat 5000 aphids in its lifespan - before giving birth to larvae which will go on wreaking devastation on the aphid population for countless generations to come? Green Gardener ladybirds are in such demand that they're sold out - but you can pre-order for the May 22 shipment. Note that "Green Gardener only supplies native British Adalia Bipunctata Ladybirds (otherwise known as 2 spot) - we do not supply Harlequin ladybirds." You can get 25 Adult ladybirds and 50 ladybird larvae for £24.99, or if you want to throw in some lacewings, you can get 25 Adult ladybirds and 500 lacewing larvae for £29.74. Then there's the ladybird mansion.
This is a general insect house, which attracts ladybirds, lacewings, bees and dragonflies. The holes - of which there are six - mimic the natural shape of dead trees. Hang it somewhere warm, with shelter from wind, near where you have an aphid problem, and the pretty little ladybirds and lacewings will take care of it while the bees pollinate your garden. 5" by 10". Green Gardener has 25 Adult Ladybirds plus a Ladybird House for £27.98.
The mansion itself, with two windows, 30cm x width 14cm x depth 17cm, is a year-round home made from FSC timber. £24.95. And no more aphids, ever - one ladybird can lay 1500 eggs, so 1500 times 5000 aphids means your garden is healthy and beautiful.
[GT]
