Creating a Buzz in the Mojave Desert
Bug-Repelling and Pollinator-Friendly Plants for Your Garden
Discover the secrets to maintaining a thriving garden here in Fort Irwin while keeping unwanted bugs at bay and attracting pollinators. In this article, we explore a selection of desert-friendly plants and herbs that naturally repel insects and attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies. Learn about the care requirements of each plant and discover how to create a vibrant and insect-friendly oasis in the arid landscape of Southern California's Mojave Desert. Whether you're seeking bug-repellent properties or looking to foster pollinator activity, this guide will help you create a beautiful and sustainable garden in the desert.
Bug-Repelling Plants
Lavender (Lavandula): Lavender not only adds a lovely scent to your garden but also repels mosquitoes, flies, and moths. It prefers well-drained soil, full sun, and minimal watering once established.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary is a versatile herb known for its culinary uses and bug-repellent properties. It deters mosquitoes, flies, and some garden pests. It thrives in well-draining soil, full sun, and moderate watering.
Marigold (Tagetes): Marigolds are vibrant flowers that repel aphids, mosquitoes, and nematodes. They prefer well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering.
Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus): Citronella grass is famous for its mosquito-repelling properties. It requires well-drained soil, full sun, and regular watering.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that repels mosquitoes and attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. It grows best in well-drained soil, partial shade to full sun, and regular watering.
Pollinator Friendly Plants
Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata): This native wildflower attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its bright yellow blooms. It thrives in well-drained soil, full sun, and minimal watering once established.
Desert Milkweed (Asclepias subulata): Desert milkweed is a vital host plant for monarch butterflies and attracts other pollinators as well. It prefers well-drained soil, full sun, and occasional watering.
Globe Mallow (Sphaeralcea ambigua): Globe mallow is a drought-tolerant plant that produces vibrant orange or pink flowers, attracting bees and butterflies. It grows well in well-drained soil, full sun, and infrequent watering.
Penstemon (Penstemon spp.): Penstemons are native wildflowers that come in various colors and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. They require well-drained soil, full sun, and moderate watering.
Desert Mariposa Lily (Calochortus kennedyi): This beautiful desert flower attracts bees and butterflies with its showy blooms. It prefers well-drained soil, full sun, and occasional watering.
Remember to adjust watering frequency based on the specific plant's needs and the desert environment. Incorporating these plants into your garden can create a vibrant and insect-friendly oasis while adding beauty to your surroundings.