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Gardening Means Sharing Your Space

As a Virginia gardener, you already know backyard bugs come with the gardening territory. Between humidity, a long growing season, and the wide variety of plants that thrive in our beautiful state, our gardens naturally attract all kinds of insects. Some are helpful, some are destructive, and most are simply part of the balance that keeps a garden healthy.

At Strange’s, we see it every day! Customers stop in with chewed leaves, questions about tomato hornworms, or photos of mysterious bugs spotted in their garden. Other days, we share excitement over the first ladybug sighting of the season or cherish the pollinators hard at work in our nursery. Gardening in Richmond means learning to work alongside nature, and understanding backyard bugs is a big part of that.

Common Garden Pests Around Richmond

While Richmond’s warm summers are great for our beloved tomatoes to thrive, it also creates the ideal conditions for garden pests.

Aphids are one of the most common problems, feeding on flowers, vegetables, shrubs, and new growth. Tomato hornworms also tend to appear quickly once summer settles in, often stripping tomato plants before gardeners even notice they are there.

Japanese beetles are another familiar Richmond pest, especially around roses, crape myrtles, and fruit trees during mid- to late summer. Vegetable gardens across the area also commonly deal with cabbage worms, flea beetles, cucumber beetles, and cutworms.

The best way to stay ahead of pest problems is to check plants regularly. Holes in leaves, yellowing foliage, damaged stems, or insects gathered underneath leaves are usually the first signs that something is feeding in the garden.

The Helpful Bugs You Want Around

Thankfully, not every insect in the backyard is there to cause problems. Many bugs actually help support a healthier garden naturally.

Ladybugs are one of the best-known beneficial insects and are especially helpful for controlling aphids. Green lacewings, hoverflies, and praying mantises also help reduce pest populations throughout the season.

Pollinators are just as important. Bumblebees, mason bees, carpenter bees, and leafcutter bees all help flowers, fruits, and vegetables thrive in Richmond gardens. Even spiders play an important role. For example, orb weavers and jumping spiders help control mosquitoes, flies, and other nuisance insects that appear during Virginia summers.

A Healthy Garden Is Full of Life

One of the best parts of walking through the greenhouse at Strange’s this time of year is seeing how much life a healthy garden supports. Between blooming plants, visiting pollinators, and beneficial insects quietly doing their job, it is a reminder that a thriving backyard is not meant to be completely bug-free.

If you have questions about backyard bugs, beneficial insects, or garden pest control, stop by and see us at either the Broad St. or Mechanicsville location. You can also give us a call or drop us an email at info@stranges.com. We are always happy to help you grow better!

Connect with Strange’s: 

Instagram: @StrangesRVA             Facebook: @Strange’s Florist 

Mechanicsville: 804-321-2200      West Broad: 804-360-2800

Check out our corresponding how-to guide: