Hi All -
I just moved to a new property in upstate NY (yay!) and inherited lots of perennials including some beautiful elderberry.
This morning I noticed that the elders have a bunch of black aphids and that some of the leaves on branches with the aphids are yellowing.
So I started spraying with some soapy water when I noticed a ladybug!
A couple questions for the group:
Short term solution:
1) How do you feel about the ladybugs you can buy from the garden center? Should I grab a tub of those and release them to feast? I only sprayed maybe three clumps of aphids so there's plenty to nom.
2) The infestation is pretty intense - at this point do I just soap spray them and plan for attracting more ladybugs for next year?
Long term solution:
3) I'd love to guild up my elderberries and have found some lists of plants that attract ladybugs (nasturtium, dill, etc.). Anyone have suggestions for additional plant friends for my elders? They are in partial shade.
Thanks all!
Looking forward to connecting on this!
Beth
