I am so, so annoyed. I am leaving to attend a wedding in just a few hours and last night, while sitting on my porch enjoying a glass of wine with friends, I was attacked by mosquitos. Now I have giant bites up and down my arms and my outfit is short sleeves. Yuck! Not much I can do except hope the celebration lighting is low. If only I had read this One Kings Lane article on Mosquito-Repelling Plants earlier in the week! Such an easy, natural, and visually appealing solution!
Easy Update: Mosquito-Repelling Potagerie
Courtesy of One Kings Lane
Outdoor entertaining is one of the great joys of spring and summer. Until, of course, the bugs invade. In place of spray and pesticides, try a cluster of mosquito-repelling potted planters. Grouped together near a seating area on your deck or patio, they make a pretty and lush addition to your outdoor landscape while also protecting you and your guests.
Things to Know
Most plants that repel bugs possess an herbaceous scent that adds a pleasant aroma to your garden. These plants are generally sun-loving, prolific growers, making them very easy to care for.
We are fans of the “thrill, spill, fill” gardening motto. When choosing plants it’s nice to feature a tall plant (this is your “thrill”), fronted by both an abundant midsize plant (your “fill”) and a lower-growing plant that creeps so it “spills” over the edge In warmer weather, potted plants dry out faster than plants in the ground. Make sure to water them often.
Cascading Geranium, another bug repelling plant, will cascade over its pot and add a delicate floral scent to your potagerie.
Catnip is said to be 10 times more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes.
Citronella, or West Indian lemongrass, is a tall plant and the source for citronella oil. It smells good and best of all is a mosquito repelling plant!
Dare to be Great!
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