Chicago Botanic Garden

Education — Lenhardt Library

Current Books & Book Reviews

PHOTO: bookcover

Jessica Walliser.
Good Bug, Bad Bug: Who’s Who, What They Do, and How to Manage Them Organically (All You Need to Know About the Insects in Your Garden).
Pittsburgh, Pa.: St. Lynn's Press, 2008.
decorated boards, 91 pp., ISBN 978–097–676319–2, $16.95.

Garden writer Jessica Walliser identifies in this handy guide 24 of the most destructive insect pests and 14 of the more beneficial creepy, crawly creatures commonly found in the garden. The individual profiles of pests include a close-up photo and description for easy identification plus a listing of the plants each pest is likely to attack and typical damage. Each reference includes advice on suitable organic controls. As for beneficial insects, which the author calls "the heroes of the garden," the text covers methods of identification and the pests they control, and further suggests ways to attract them to your garden. Supplemental information includes a garden glossary, organic product information, and source directory.

— Marilyn K. Alaimo, garden writer and volunteer, Chicago Botanic Garden.