At the Lurie Garden we strive to implement sustainable horticulture practices. Our integrated pest management program is one way we carry out this goal.
Over 65% percent of the plants in The Lurie Garden are native to North America, with many of them being native to Illinois. This plant population attracts native insects including bees, butterflies, and dragonflies. However, we occasionally find non-native pests like mealybugs that threaten the health of our plant collections. When we come across these pests, we do everything we can to make sure our pest management program targets only the undesirable insect.
Recently I came across a large population of mealybugs 
on our Taxus sp., commonly know as yew. The mealybug population was fairly large and needed immediate attention. We released 2000 lacewing larvae, which are active predators of mealybugs. The lacewing larvae come packaged in a cardboard honeycomb frame that you peel open to release the larvae. Within 2 weeks almost all of the mealybugs were gone. Our release of beneficial insects had been successful! We did not use any chemicals and protected the native insect populations from the dangers of broad spectrum chemicals. You can practice conscious pest management in your home garden by releasing your own beneficial insects. Beneficial insects are available at some garden centers or through a number of online retailers. Be sure to speak to the sales personnel about the quantity and type of beneficial insect that will target your pest.
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