drifts of marigolds

We encourage calendula (pot marigolds) to seed amongst our brassicas.

They are very attractive to hoverflies in particular and look great.

This year, we have had more success than ever with them and there are masses between cauliflowers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, calabrese and spinach and chard.

These plants can be badly affected by caterpillars, aphids and whitefly.

The hoverflies and wasps that come along to enjoy the calendula can feast on the pests that find their way onto the food plants we grow.

Calendula has a distinctive scent and I wonder whether, en masse as they are here, this also acts to mask the scent of the brassicas?

The many shades of yellow and orange certainly create a powerful visual impact.