Our Integrated Pest Management program relies on predatory insects to reduce pests, with weekly applications of various beneficial insects and bacteria, such as beneficial spider mites to treat pest spider mites and whitefly, beneficial nematodes for control of insects, beneficial fungi or bacteria for the control of various diseases and insects and beneficial wasps to control aphids and red scale.
One key focus of our new plant introductions is to find plants with a high degree of natural pest and disease resistance, thereby reducing the need for pesticide application both at our nursery and in the home landscape.
Mycorrhizae
We add mycorrhizae to all our plants. Mycorrhizae are a group of beneficial organisms that grow along the roots of host plants, enlarging the roots’ naturally-occurring surface-absorbing capacity by as much as 100 times, making the plant much more efficient in the uptake of nutrients and water. Mycorrhizae helps to reduce transplant shock, stress from drought, soil-borne diseases, water usage and the reliance on fertilizers.
Mycorrhizae are found in nature, but are very fragile. By disturbing the ground, we destroy the web of mycorrhizae that lies just beneath the surface. Basic building construction can destroy 20,000 to 40,000 years of soil development at one time. Fortunately, mycorrhizae can be reintroduced and begin to enhance the soil rather quickly. As Monrovia plants are added to the garden, the mycorrhizae in our soil will spread to other areas, benefiting your entire landscape.
