The third step in your natural garden is to avoid mono-culture. It doesn't exist in nature, so it shouldn't exist in your garden if you wish your plants to be healthy. Mix different plants together within the garden, your garden will look better for it too.
Right, the bit you have all been waiting for comes next. You may well be saying, "Ok, I have done all you've said, but I've still got lots of greenfly on my roses, what now then?"
Natural controls don't come any simpler than water. Hose them off. If some manage to climb back up, then try milk, it clogs the pores of aphids and they suffocate. If you are still unsatisfied, then try paraffin, washing-up liquids and detergent sprays. For the unconvinced, try the ultimate weapons of natural control, namely, Derris or Pyrethrum, avoiding ponds and any watercourses, it is poisonous to fish.
You will now be thinking well what about slugs? Slugs and snails are the bane of many gardeners and control is often necessary. Many can be collected by night with the aid of torch and disposed of. Beer traps can be employed to good use here. Also a ring of cinders or sharp gravel often does the trick.
Ants are very useful scavengers of both dead animal and vegetable matter, but sometimes cause problems if they decide to build their nest under your favourite plant. If this happens, try pepper dust. Or if they are problem on a paved area, boiling water will put paid to the problem.
What about fungal diseases? Mildew and Blackspot can be troublesome in the ornamental garden and it has to be said that some plants are more susceptible than others. A copper-based fungicide in the form of 'Bordeaux Mixture' is a powder that you dissolve in water and spray on. It will control mildew and other fungal infections and can be used on seedlings to prevent 'damping off'. Bicarbonate of soda is also a good natural control as well.
Autumn is a time for winding down, both for the garden and the gardener. It also a time for renewal and rethinking how best to enjoy the garden, so next summer will be better than the last. Leave the slippers and seed catalogues just a little longer and prepare to put your garden to sleep in better heart for the coming season.
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