Lantana (Lantana spp.) is a captivating plant that graces gardens with its vibrant colors and natural pest-repelling properties
Lantana is such a fascinating plant – it’s not only beautiful but also has some natural pest-repelling properties. Lantana is naturally hardy and doesn’t suffer from many pest issues. It releases an aromatic scent that repels some annoying insects, including mosquitoes. The leaves contain volatile organic compounds that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Additionally, the essential oil made from lantana leaves contains substances like eucalyptol, alpha-humulene, and germacrene, which are toxic to mosquitoes.
Lantana produces vibrant clusters of flowers in various shades, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. These colorful blooms appeal visually to your garden and create a cheerful atmosphere. These blooms attract pollinators and enhance biodiversity in your garden. Lantana flowers are irresistible to pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. You’ll encourage these beneficial organisms to visit your garden by planting lantana near your vegetables. They’ll help pollinate, creating a better fruit set for your veggies.
The lantana’s natural aroma wafts through the air, providing a pleasant scent for garden visitors while serving as an effective deterrent to mosquitoes. You can picture these hardy plants bordering the garden, forming a natural barrier that enhances the garden’s aesthetics and protects the vegetables from annoying invaders.
Lantana is a delightful addition to any garden, including vegetable gardens. However, there are a few potential disadvantages to consider when it comes to growing lantana. Lantana camara, a species within the Lantana genus, is highly invasive. It can dominate wild areas by overtaking native plants. If not controlled, it can spread rapidly and become a problem, especially in larger areas. However, it’s simple to remove in smaller gardens. Keep in mind that not all Lantana species are invasive. To identify invasive lantana, look for alternating flower colors within the same flower, woody stems, and flat leaves. Non-invasive Lantana species have uniform-colored flowers and more curled leaves. If you choose to grow lantana, consider the specific species and its potential impact on your garden and local ecosystem.
Lantana, the captivating plant, offers more than just beauty. Its vibrant clusters of red, orange, yellow, and pink flowers attract pollinators, creating biodiversity in your garden. But that’s not all! Lantana’s aromatic scent repels mosquitoes, making it a natural pest deterrent. Just beware – some species can be invasive, so choose wisely!
Writer/Digital creator/Prompt designer: Tom Myrick
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On a cold winter’s morning, a gardener – Poppa Tom – and his loyal hound – Lucy Lou – sat by the fireplace in their cozy cabin at the Veggie-Bed. The landscape outside was draped in a gentle snowfall, and a tattered crow clung to the wooden fence, its feathers ruffled against the cold. The bird’s beady eyes observed the cabin with curiosity and caution.
Poppa Tom leaned closer to the frost-kissed window, squinting to get a better look. “Lucy Lou,” he said, patting the dog’s head, “look at that crow. Ain’t it a sight?” Lucy Lou’s tail thumped against the floor. She had encountered her fair share of crows, but this one was different. Its wingtips were frayed, and its beak had a slight crook. Yet, something in its gaze—a hint of vulnerability—tugged at her canine heart, stirring a deep empathy within her.
Poppa Tom and Lucy Lou set out on their daily hike as the morning sun climbed higher. To their surprise, the tattered crow reappeared on the fence. Lucy Lou whined softly as if conveying, “The crow needs our help.” They approached cautiously, but just as they drew near, the crow took flight, disappearing into the woods. Perhaps it carried secrets or stories of its own, woven into the fabric of that wintry morning.
Upon returning to the Veggie-Bed, Poppa Tom moved an old wooden picnic table next to the fence. It had weathered many seasons, its surface worn and grooved from years of use. With a thoughtful expression, he gathered a handful of peanuts and pumpkin seeds from the pantry. These humble offerings, he hoped, would provide sustenance for the tattered crow that had captured their hearts.
Placing the food carefully on the table, Poppa Tom stepped back, watching Lucy Lou sit nearby, her ears perking in anticipation. The crow, ever cautious, observed from a nearby branch. Once ruffled and frayed, its feathers seemed to settle as it considered the unexpected bounty.
Days turned into weeks, and the ritual continued. Each morning, Poppa Tom replenished the offerings—sometimes adding a few breadcrumbs or a slice of apple. Lucy Lou wagged her tail, her canine companionship unwavering. And the crow? It became a fixture, a silent visitor who accepted the kindness bestowed upon it.
The cozy cabin and its surroundings transformed as winter gradually gave way to spring. The snow melted, revealing patches of earth eager for new life. Yet, there was a noticeable absence—the tattered crow no longer perched on the fence, its beady eyes missing from the morning tableau.
Undeterred by the crow’s disappearance, Poppa Tom persisted in his daily ritual. Each morning, he replenished the wooden picnic table with fresh offerings. The peanuts and pumpkin seeds were now joined by slices of ripe pear and clusters of grapes. Lucy Lou watched, her tail swishing in approval as if she understood the unspoken commitment.
The seasons shifted, and the air carried the scent of blossoms. Still, the crow remained elusive. Poppa Tom wondered: Had it found a new home? Was it nursing an injury? Or had it moved on, leaving memories etched in frost and kindness?
Poppa Tom noticed movement near the fence one morning as dew clung to the grass. His heart skipped a beat—the crow had returned! But it wasn’t alone. Perched next to the crow was a fledgling, its feathers were shaggy and eyes wide with wonder. Lucy Lou’s ears pricked up, sensing the shift in the familiar routine.
The tattered crow hopped onto the picnic table, its beak picking at the assortment of food. The young one chirped, its hunger insatiable. Poppa Tom smiled, realizing that their acts of compassion had rippled beyond themselves. They had unwittingly nurtured not just one life but two.
And so, spring unfolded—a tapestry of renewal. The crow family became part of the cabin’s lore, their presence a reminder that generosity transcends seasons. Poppa Tom continued to replenish the table, now with extra care. Lucy Lou sat by his side, her gaze shifting between the crow and its fledgling as if sharing in their journey.
As the seasons flowed into years, the tattered crow—the one that had once clung to the wooden fence with its frayed wings—gradually ceased visiting the Veggie-Bed. Maybe it had found a quieter corner of the forest, where it could rest its weary feathers and watch the world from afar.
Yet, life has a way of weaving intricate patterns. The fledgling that had once perched on the fence next to the old crow now stood tall and proud—a beautiful crow in its own right. Its plumage shimmered with iridescent blues and blacks, a testament to the passage of time and the wisdom inherited from its parent.
The ritual persisted, albeit with a new friend. The beautiful crow returned faithfully, its beak deftly picking at the offerings on the weathered picnic table. Poppa Tom, now a little grayer at the temples, continued his daily task. Lucy Lou’s eyes filled with canine understanding sat nearby, her tail thumping against the ground.
And there, at the table, the generations converged. The fledgling now grown—bold and curious—brought its own offspring, a tiny ball of fluff with wide eyes. Together, they pecked at the bounty: peanuts, pumpkin seeds, slices of apple, and the occasional crust of bread. The old crow’s legacy lived on, passed down through seasons, and whispered in rustling leaves.
Poppa Tom watched the crow family as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the cabin. His heart swelled with gratitude—for the lessons learned, the quiet companionship, and the way life unfolded in unexpected circles. The old picnic table, now etched with countless memories, bore witness to this quiet miracle.
Perhaps the tattered crow had taught them more than they could ever teach it. In the quiet moments, when the sun filtered through budding leaves, they found solace—a connection woven from frost, trust, and the simple act of leaving food on an old wooden table.
And so, the unlikely trio—a gardener, a foxhound, and a crow—had formed an unspoken bond, united by compassion and the quiet magic of a snowy morning.
A Note from Tom: While the stories are fictional, they draw inspiration from events that occur at my vegetable garden. A blurred line – To create a desired story, the process begins by outlining my concept, and constructing a storyboard. After that, AI is used to refine and enhance the narrative while producing a complementary image. The story is extensively rewritten, and the image is carefully edited until they meet my standards. At times, it can be challenging to distinguish between my contributions and those of AI. This intricate process takes around six to eight hours to complete, resulting in a final product that perfectly reflects my original vision.
Writer/Digital creator/Prompt designer: Tom Myrick
If you would like to be a part of Urban Gardening’s mission of encouraging and sharing information about vegetable gardening throughout the world, please join our group on Facebook:
In a quaint garden, the Veggie-Bed, dew-kissed grass whispered secrets to the morning sun. There bloomed an Easter lily, its pristine white petals like celestial trumpets. Each day, as the sun climbed higher, its delicate flower unfurled its fragrant soul, casting a spell of hope upon all who beheld it.
Image: AI-generated Prompt/edited/written by: Tom Myrick, digital creator
Poppa Tom, the Veggie-Bed caretaker, tended to the lily with devotion. He knew its secrets—how it leaned toward the light and the soft hymns it sang when the moon peeked through the leaves. Poppa Tom believed that the lily held the promise of renewal. It whispered stories of rebirth, seasons turning, and the eternal dance between life and death.
One misty morning, a weary passerby stood at the garden gate. Her heart was heavy with burdens, and her footsteps echoed the weight of a thousand sorrows. Poppa Tom beckoned her closer, pointing toward the lily. “Look,” he said, “this lily knows the secret of hope.”
She knelt beside the flower, breath catching at its ethereal beauty. “What does it whisper?” she asked.
He smiled. “It tells of brighter days,” he said. “Even in the darkest hours, there is a promise—a cycle that never falters. Just as it blooms and fades, so do our troubles. And when the world seems heavy, its fragrance lifts our spirits.”
From that day on, she visited the Veggie-Bed whenever the lily bloomed. She would sit next to the lily, breathing in its sweet perfume, and remember Poppa Tom’s words: “Nurture this delicate bloom, and it will reward you with timeless elegance year after year.”
And so, the Easter lily continued its sacred duty—a symbol of hope, its petals reaching for the heavens, its fragrance weaving dreams. For all its delicate existence, it whispered to all who listened: “Renewal awaits, and brighter days are near.”
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Vegetable gardeners, with their hands in the soil and hearts rooted in the earth, harbor a primal fear—an ancient dance with pestilence. Pestilence, often associated with biblical contexts, refers to a widespread and deadly epidemic or disease that affects a large population. However, lurking amidst the green leaves and tender shoots are pests and diseases. These tiny marauders threaten to disrupt the harmony, turning vibrant greens into withered browns.
Meanwhile, the diligent gardener tends to the rows of tomatoes, peppers, and zucchinis. Each plant is hope—a promise of juicy harvests. However, the specter of aphids, blight, and caterpillars’ looms. These pests nibble at leaves, suck sap, and spread their microbial mischief. The gardener’s heart clenches as they inspect their precious crops, praying for resilience against the unseen invaders. In 2024, a remarkable event is unfolding: a double brood emergence of cicadas in the United States. These buzzing insects are making a grand return. Here is what we need to know about cicadas and their impact on vegetable gardening.
Two different broods of cicadas are emerging. This extraordinary occurrence only happens once every 221 years. Although cicadas are loud and emit a distinct odor, they will not bite. Their mouthparts are not designed for biting. Instead, they focus on feeding on woody perennials, leaving our garden vegetables untouched. So, our ripe tomatoes and cucumbers are safe from cicada nibbling. While female cicadas lay their eggs by chewing slits into branches of young trees, blueberries, brambles, and fruit trees and harm vegetation, it is unlikely to affect our garden vegetables directly.
Despite their noise, cicadas play a positive role. Mature trees benefit from cicadas’ pruning activities. When cicadas appear from underground, they aerate the soil. After their life cycle, cicada carcasses break down and serve as nitrogen-rich fertilizer for nearby plants.
To safeguard our gardens during the cicada invasion, refrain from using pesticides on cicadas. Spraying them could harm other animals that might consume the dead bugs. For smaller trees, wrap netting or insect exclusion screens around them to prevent cicadas from reaching vulnerable branches. While cicadas may create a buzz, they will not significantly affect our vegetable gardens. So, embrace the cicadapocalypse—a rare natural phenomenon that will not disrupt our tomatoes and cucumbers!
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