It was a beautiful early morning in the garden. Dew still clung to the leaves, birdsong drifted lazily through the air, and I was doing my usual barefoot wander through the veggie patch — when I spotted it.
A little army. 🐛
They’d claimed the broccoli like it was their personal salad bar. And not just the broccoli — the cauliflower babies were under siege too.
At first, I did what most of us do... I panicked a bit. After all the love I’d poured into these seedlings, I felt a bit defeated. But then I paused. Breathed. Sat on my favourite garden bench and did what the garden always reminds me to do — observe, listen, and understand.
These bugs weren’t villains. They were just doing what they knew — surviving. My job wasn’t to wage war. My job was to find balance.
So I reached for my natural toolkit:
- A chamomile and garlic spray to deter them
- Neem oil on the worst-hit leaves
- A bit of companion planting to confuse them — hello marigolds!
- And a gentle morning leaf rinse with love (and water)
I avoided harsh chemicals. I didn’t want to chase away the bees, the ladybugs, or the delicate ecosystem that makes Arcadia what it is.
Now, days later, I’m hopeful. The little broccoli and cauliflower are still pushing through, heads high like tiny green warriors. They might be late bloomers, but I believe they’ll make it.
That’s the thing about this garden — it teaches me patience. That nature knows how to restore. That not every invader is an enemy. And that even when the bugs come marching in, there’s always a way forward.
Stay rooted and resilient,
— From the Garden Bench at Arcadia 🌿