The Trials and Triumphs of Being an Organic Gardener

The Trials and Triumphs of Being an Organic Gardener

Staying true to organic gardening involves taking a few rough paths—paths without the lubrication of commercial insecticides that might have previously helped the garden thrive. In this dance of nature, when one starts to hear the serenade of Japanese beetles or the waltz of rose chafers right before a grand garden gathering, the temptation to spray herbicides, albeit harmful, becomes profound. However, the organic gardener knows that the crutch of chemical insecticides, while killing off the pests, would also ruthlessly eliminate the beneficial bugs—creating a domino effect that accelerates pest issues. Yet, the organic garden also harbors solutions that can address many of these problems.

Every winter, the Ecological Landscaping Association, a guild of nature lovers, holds a spirited conference, nested in an eco-marketplace—creating a symbiosis of knowledge and ideas from researchers, landscapers, gardeners, and environmentalists. One standout presentation in the past year was Dr. Richard Casagrande's discourse on bio-control of invasive species; he propagated the idea that certain issues are better addressed organically than chemically.

Dr. Casagrande pointed out an often seen knee-jerk reaction among gardeners hearing about the introduction of foreign species—insects, specifically—to control invasive plants like purple loosestrife. The fear of these insects causing widespread vegetation destruction after having their fill of loosestrife often adds to the existing gardening burden. It seems important to comprehend that the introduction of exotics, while done with good intentions, can sometimes yield adverse outcomes, such as kudzu and oriental bittersweet. The process of introducing insects for plant control, as opposed to direct introduction of exotic plants, undergoes stringent legislature—much like the University of Rhode Island’s quarantine labs.

The invasive species are studied in their native environment prior to any introduction. For instance, purple loosestrife, traced back to Europe in the early 1800s, has been embraced by about 120 species of insects; 14 of which have become host-specific—which means they won’t feed on anything else. A handful of these insects are further investigated in the quarantine labs to study their affinity for related species and potential impact on major crops like corn, wheat, and soy.

Organic gardeners are aware of the robust root system of the purple loosestrife—it's a garden menace that resists both mechanical removal and chemical control methods. A successful removal leaves behind scraps of roots that will sprout anew. The daunting aspect is the sheer volume of tiny seeds each mature plant produces annually, making it impossible to eradicate the plant completely by plucking or poisoning it. Burning the plants won’t solve the problem either. This is where biocontrols like introduced beetles come into play.

Introduced beetles that feed on purple loosestrife have been successfully reducing the plant volumes for over two decades—down to about 10 percent of their numbers prior to beetle introduction. As the plant invasion is contained, the number of predator beetles correspondingly drops—signifying a natural self-regulation. Similar efforts are being implemented to control phragmites, the tall grass often seen flaunting beautiful plumes in wetlands and roadside ditches.

Dr. Casagrande has also been employing biocontrols to handle the lily leaf beetles infestation, which has been ravaging oriental and Asiatic lilies for years. While these beetles, with a vibrant red and black trim, may seem attractive enough for jewelry, their larvae are downright repulsive as they carry their excrement on their backs to dissuade predators. Dr. Casagrande, with the aid of his team, has introduced parasitoids—tiny wasps from Europe—to reduce the lily leaf beetle population. The intervention of these parasitoids has shown promising results in test sites across New England.

As a dedicated organic connoisseur, what can you do? First, have faith in the fact that biocontrol solutions are on their way. Second, recognize that herbicides and insecticides are at best a temporary fix—spraying might reduce the nuisance but won't eradicate these pests. Instead, opt for pest-resistant species like the 'Black Beauty' lily, which is less appealing to the lily leaf beetle. Lastly, resort to the old-fashioned, yet effective method of handpicking pests—it reduces the immediate pest population and gives you a stronger pulse of the landscape.

Importantly, patience is your greatest ally in organic gardening. As we live and breathe in harmony with nature, it's crucial to acknowledge that we don't own the symphony, but are merely musicians in its grand orchestra. The tacit acceptance of minor losses and hiccups is a virtue that every organic gardener must possess; remember that biological controls do work. Exotic pests like the birch leaf miner have already been reduced to a mere annoyance in some places, and there are regions where purple loosestrife is less of a problem. Thus, stick to organic ways, be patient, and watch your garden flourish under nature's nurturing canopy.