Friends, Foes, and Fixes: Managing Pests & Diseases

Not every garden visitor is a villain—and not every problem needs a harsh solution. Friends, Foes, and Fixes: Managing Pests & Diseases is a lecture-style session that dives into the fascinating world of garden insects and plant health challenges. Learn the basics of insect anatomy, life cycles, and classification to better understand how different species interact with your plants.

Special attention will be given to common garden insects such as aphids, grasshoppers, ladybugs, and praying mantises—exploring which are harmful, which are beneficial, and how they influence your garden ecosystem. Presenters will also examine viral, fungal, and bacterial plant diseases, teaching you how to identify symptoms early and distinguish between common issues.

The session concludes with practical, organic strategies for prevention and control, empowering you to manage pests and diseases in ways that support long-term garden health. Whether you're battling leaf damage or simply curious about the tiny creatures among your plants,…