Letters to the Editor
February 18, 2015
Dear Editor,
Stop killing our pests.Contrary to popular belief not all pests
are bad. Ants, the most hated and hunted of the pests helps the
growth and developments of your garden.
Mark Gurney from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
says, Ants are farmers, workers, conquerors and thieves.They're
fascinating creatures, and a vital part of the food chain in
gardens.
Ants natural habitat is the garden; they are not out to harm it.
Ants main diet is the insects that seek to eat your vegetation.
While building their homes ants aerate the soil, helping your
garden grow. Finally our petulant ants are defenders of the weak.
Certain breads of caterpillars depend on ants for survival. Ants
guard these caterpillars during their development process. Certain
species even finish their development into a butterfly in the ants
nest.
The Frederick and Ophelia Tate Ogier Gardens is a perfect
example of this thriving ecosystem. The Ogier Gardens is an organic
garden on the campus of the University of North Florida. The garden
doesnt use pesticides; they let their ants roam free. This freedom
has been so successful, that the garden has the opportunity to
seasonally provide the campus cafeteria with vegetables.
Next time think before you squish.
Sincerely, Michaela GrimmigThe Ogier Gardens
(PR)(561)[email protected]
