There are approximately 14 different species of Lacewing, commonly known as the Common Green Lacewing in the United Kingdom. These tiny insects are only three centimetres long and are brilliant for your garden, as they like feeding on common garden pests. Most Lacewings are nocturnal or crepuscular, so they sleep during the day and only become active at twilight and night times.
The adult Lacewings feed on pollen and nectar, so you will often see Lacewings between April and August, as this is when there is ample nectar and pollen available for the adults. The larvae are perfect for gardeners as they are carnivorous, living off aphids, greenflies and those other pest insects that gardeners hate.
To increase more of these Common Green Lacewings into your garden it makes sense to ensure you have the right kind of plants and flowers for the adults to feed on. This will ensure not only their survival, but also for the benefit of ensuring your garden plants remain pest free.
1. Chrysanthemums – There are so many varieties of these to choose from, and also a variety of colours. The like to be in full sun and well drained soil. They flower between August and September, so provide a useful source of late nectar.
2. Parsley – The three main different types of Parsley are flat leaved, parsnip-rooted and curly leaved varieties. Parsley likes to be in full sun and is a biennial plant that also attracts butterflies.
3. Dill – This is actually related to Fennel and is an annual herb. It also attracts various butterflies.
4. Fennel – Is drought hardy and can be grown anywhere. It can be grown as an annual but is actually a perennial. It attracts butterflies too, although it doesn’t grow well with certain other plants, so check compatibility before planting near other plants.
5. Rosemary – This herb loves free draining soil, in full sun.
6. Thyme – This small perennial plant has pink or lilac flowers. It is also attractive to butterflies too.
7. Lavender – flowers in the summer, right through to autumn. It has a lovely scent and prefers to be in full sun, in well drained, dry soil.
8. Marigolds – There are various bright coloured varieties to choose from, also in differing heights. They like to be in a sunny position and will flower from June through to September.
9. Asters – otherwise known as the Michaelmas Daisy, these all flower in late summer through to late September. They grow best in full sun and like to be regularly watered.
10. Sunflowers – These range in height depending on the variety chosen. They have to be in full sun and enriched soil or manure. They need support, due to their height and will flower between June and September. You can then leave the seed heads for bird food during the autumn and winter.
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