Our Approach to Pests & Balance
At The Wildest Bloom, we believe that a healthy garden is not a silent one.
Insects, birds, and microorganisms are all part of a living system — and when that system is allowed to function naturally, it becomes remarkably resilient.
Rather than trying to eliminate every sign of insect life, we focus on creating balance, diversity, and long-term plant health.
This is what a working garden looks like — pollinators at work, plants thriving, and nature doing what it does best
Why We Don't Use Pesticides
We do not use chemical pesticides, including those marketed as “organic” or “natural.”
Many products labelled as safe or organic can still disrupt soil life, harm beneficial insects, or create long-term imbalances within the garden ecosystem. Over time, these disruptions often lead to weaker plants and a greater dependence on intervention.
Instead, we choose to work with natural processes — allowing the garden to regulate itself.
A Balanced Approach To Pest Management
In a healthy garden, pests are not a problem to eliminate, but part of a wider food web. Birds, insects, fungi, and microorganisms all play a role in keeping populations in check.
Our approach focuses on:
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Encouraging beneficial insects and natural predators
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Supporting healthy soil biology
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Choosing resilient, well-suited plants
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Observing and responding rather than reacting
When intervention is needed, we use gentle, non-toxic methods such as hand removal or targeted physical controls (like the tried and tested beer trap) — never sprays or chemicals.
A plastic bottle with lid
A stick so other insects can escspe
2 to 3 holes cut out
Beer
Drunk slug
Why Some Insect Activity is a Good Sign
A completely insect-free garden is often a sign of imbalance, not health.
Some leaf damage, holes, or insect activity indicates that your garden is alive and functioning as part of a larger ecosystem. Over time, as beneficial species establish themselves, these populations naturally stabilise.
We see this process not as a problem to solve, but as a sign that the garden is finding its rhythm.
Building Strength from the Soil Up
Healthy plants start with healthy soil.
We focus heavily on soil biology — building rich, living soil that supports strong root systems and natural resilience. This includes:
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Adding organic matter and compost
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Supporting microbial life
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Using natural amendments such as molasses to feed beneficial soil organisms
When soil health improves, plants become stronger, more nutrient-dense, and far less susceptible to pests and disease.
A Slower, More Sustainable Way to Garden
Our approach requires patience, observation, and trust in natural systems. It’s not about quick fixes or perfection — it’s about creating gardens that improve with time.
By working with nature rather than against it, we help create spaces that are not only beautiful, but alive, balanced, and deeply resilient.
