Gardening by Osmosis

The spotted lanternfly is invading Washington State. No, it is not that cute little firefly we read about in stories of the Northeastern part of the US. This insect is a serious pest on grapes, hops, fruit trees, ornamental’s and other important agricultural crops.

When closed the grey, black spotted forewing’s hide the red hindwing. The abdomen is yellow and black and the adult is about 1 inch long and 1/2 inch wide. The adults can be seen in July and begin laying eggs in September-October.

The Spotted Lanternfly is especially fond of the Tree-of-Heaven which is not only its host but an invasive noxious weed. Even suspected sightings of either the tree or the Spotted Lanternfly should be reported online at http://www.invasivespecies.wa.gov., or directly to the Washington State Department of Agriculture: [email protected].

For more information about the Tree-of-Heaven please contact the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board at http://www.nwcb.wa.gov or email: [email protected] or call the WSU Extension office or Spokane Conservation District.

Just when I was ready for Good Garden News I learned the Japanese Beetle found it’s way to Eastern Washington. The adult beetles have been identified as the culprits responsible for devouring, again, our agriculture crops such as grapes and hops.

Japanese Beetles also consume leaves and the fruit of fruit trees, berries, and other crops. They don’t seem to be too discerning as to what they eat and their damage can be seen on roses as well as other bushes, shrubs and trees. Vegetables, fruit and flowers do not escape their palates.

The adults skeletonize the foliage while the larvae, grub, feed on the roots of grasses. They are easy to recognize and if you spot them you can contact the agencies previously mentioned for information on control.

I was thinking, woe is me, when out of the blue came armies of lady beetles and yellow jackets. The yellow jackets parasitized some of the adult Japanese Beetles, but I fear the infestation is too much for the yellow and black soldiers.

The next time I see Japanese Beetles I will douse them with insecticidal soap and contact the invasive species agency. The lady beetles however have made significant progress in reducing aphid populations.

Enough garden doom and gloom. I want to talk about flowers. If you are a fan of pollinators and pollinator plants like me, have I got a plant for you!

Cosmos are available in white, pink, magenta, yellow, orange and now a dark burgundy variety called Chocolate.

A friend of mine planted chocolate cosmos near her front door and its delicious fragrance followed her in the house. What a lovely way to indulge in this sweet treat. And chocolate cosmos are guaranteed not to put on pounds. Find seeds or plants at the garden center or save some seeds for next year.

Cosmos are great pollinator plants. They attract bees and butterflies from early summer to frost. They are available in many colors and grow from 14” to 24” or more. They are strong and rather drought tolerant. Deadheading keeps them blooming longer and more beautiful. You can’t grow wrong with cosmos.

For more information on the spotted lanternfly, Japanese Beetles, or Cosmos, contact the WSU Spokane County Master Gardener @http://spokane-county.wsu.edu/spokane, or call 509-477-2182.

Remember, Master Gardeners are also available at the Cheney Library the 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month from now to October.