If you look up the word insectary in Merriam Webster it notes that it is a place for the keeping or rearing of live insects But after...
...visiting two thriving examples in real life Benziger Family Winery and Lotusland I realized that the dictionary definition is stagnant uncolorful and not very buzzy and fluttery
I also learned that an insectary does more than just raise insects: It gifts an abundance of sights and sounds and movement, too—plus, it’s quite vital to a happy ecosystem.
What actually is an ‘insectary’?
Photograph courtesy of Benziger Family Winery.
The Benziger insectary was designed by the late Allen York. Plus, insectary plants help capture nutrients from the soil and create a diverse ecosystem.
The main insectary at Benziger Family Winery has over 250 unique flowers and plants that work year round to entice predatory insects and animals to hang out and work.
How is an insectary different from a pollinator garden?
Photograph courtesy of Benziger Family Winery.
The insectary garden at Lotusland was designed and installed by garden designer Eric Nagelmann and Corey Welles, Manager of Sustainability at Lotusland.
Photograph courtesy of Lotusland.
Why create an insectary?
The other excellent benefits include lower water use because you will be embracing drought tolerant native plants, better flower and crop production, and lastly, healthy plants not affected by pests and disease can sequester carbon more effectively.
Photograph courtesy of Lotusland.
The colorful oasis of vibrant diversity at Lotusland was originally an area where its owner, Madame Walska, grew cut flowers but the space has evolved and taken on the Insectary Garden in recognition of the beneficial relationship between plant, insects, predators and pollinators.
How do you create an insectary garden?
Corey Welles Sustainability Manager at Lotusland shares The recipe Lotusland uses for homes botanic gardens or large estates is basically 1 pure natives strategically placed in hedge rows around a property major cost savings and huge...
...ecological services 2 50 50 natives and select non natives closer to the house 3 fancy schmancy ornamentals carefully clustered for focal points or other ornamental elements This recipe can be customized for any size house
Vitex is a key player in the insectary at Lotusland. Borage is an annual but readily reseeds itself so you will definitely have more next year. Achillea: This favorite sunny border plant attracts all sorts of helpful flying friends, from butterflies to lacewings and ladybugs.
What plants are good for an insectary?
Photograph courtesy of Lotusland.
Did you know that you can plant sunflowers to lure aphids away from other plants?