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Relative beginner - pest advice?

JanicemarchJanicemarch Posts: 16
in Problem solving
Hi, I've only been gardening for 2 years so still learning.  This year I added some wooden planters alongside our fence with the aim of making the patio feel a bit more private.  I've not had huge issues with pests in other areas of the garden but a lot of what I've planted has been eaten - particularly my clematis, callicarpas and geums. They've also has a good go at my winter beauty (I think a honeysuckle). My verbena bonariensis, cornflowers, acer and achillea seem to be left alone.

The clematis has particularly been hard hit, it started with holes but now most of the leaves have black bits on and the new shoots get eaten straight away.  I've tried regular sprays of garlic and used nematodes for slugs.  I also read to plant lavender around the base of the clematis to deter slugs so I did that.  None of that has had an impact.

I haven't been able to spot anything on the plants, apart from what I thought was a caterpillar but on reading, might have been a sawfly larvae.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I worry about spraying as I do like my bees.  Is it a case of moving the plants that get eaten and finding other things to plant?  I would really like some climbers on the fence for a greener and more private feel to the patio area.

Advice would be gratefully received and very welcome!

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Hello @Janicemarch and welcome to the forum 😊 
    Can you post some photos of your plants and their situation so we can get some clues as to what’s going on and what your options are 😊 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
    Don't spray. Try and find out what exactly it is that is munching. The most devastating damage is usually caterpillars, but these are most active in spring. A lot of plants will still flower even with moderate damage. Look on the underside of the leaves and take a late night stroll with a torch!
    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • InglezinhoInglezinho Posts: 568
    PS; Over the years I've found one the best pest control methods is to give plants a good blast with a hose, especially underneath.
    Everyone likes butterflies. Nobody likes caterpillars.
  • JanicemarchJanicemarch Posts: 16
    Thank you for your replies, sorry for my delayed response, I've been working at home and trying not to get distracted (I'd much rather be in the garden!)

    I attach some photos - it just seems to be a problem in these particular planters and the buddleia which are all next to a fence.  My pots and bordery bit are ok - a few little holes but nothing that bothers me.

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Looking at the range of plants, I think it would most likely be slugs and possible sawfly or caterpillar damage. I don't think you need to worry too much with the Buddleia, it will be fine once you cut down and new leaves form for next year. 
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