Oh, Aphids...

I was pruning my 'Autumn Jazz' viburnum over the weekend, and noticed several ants crawling along my arm after a few snips. After a quick glance at my shrub, I realized why they were there: aphids. The flowering branches of my viburnum was just covered in aphids.

I don't particularly freak out over the sight of aphids. They're really not that hard to get rid of. In the case of my viburnum, all it took was a nice strong blast of water from the hose to knock them off. They haven't been back.

But if you need something a little stronger than water, there are a couple of homemade sprays you can make. They both work really well, and are made from stuff you probably already have around your house and garden.

Of course, a nice population of kick-butt beneficials (or "warrior bugs," as my kids call them. What, you've never seen A Bug's Life?) will go a long way toward taking care of pests like aphids for you. And how do we encourage beneficials to move in?

• Don't spray chemicals.
• Provide plenty of sources of nectar.
• Leave some areas of your yard a bit untamed (dare I say, even a bit weedy?)

So, there are a few ideas if you happen to find aphids on one of your favorite plants this weekend!