I just read in the Winnipeg Free Press this week that lily beetles have been found in Winnipeg. I'm seriously reconsidering ordering any more lilies until it's clear whether they are here to stay... daylilies are still safe at least.

I don't know how you control them... I'm kinda panicing about getting them too!

The lily beetle wintered in our cold climate and has been found in southern Manitoba and there has been an out break reported in Winnipeg. The Manitoba Regional Lily Society has set up a beetle hotline for gardeners to report any sightings. There is no need to panic. It can be controlled by chemcial means or by hand picking. The choice is up to the lily growers. Like any insect pest it is just a matter of being on top of what is happening in your garden and taking care of it. The beetle has no natural predators so we lily growers will have to take care of it ourselves.

There is no need to panic. I think that the lily beetle will be like any other insect pest that we have in our garden. We will come to learn to live with and deal with it.

As far as not growing lilies..well that is something that I just could not stop doing. I will simply be very careful about trading, accepting gifts and other plant material coming into the garden.

If anyone would like to know what some of the control methods are please go to www.manitobalilies.ca . There is a very good article there written by the Manitoba Regional Lily Society. If you still have questions there is a contact button to be able to get your questions answers.

Best Regards
jb