My kids and I just learned what praying mantis egg cases look like! And we have found four so far around our garden. 🙂 So I thought I’d share! As you’re cutting back goldenrod / ornamental grasses and old stems for spring, don’t get rid of these guys!!
One of the best beneficial insects for our gardens. 💚💚
If you spot these egg cases while doing your spring cleanup, consider leaving those stems intact or gently relocating them to a quiet corner of your yard. A simple brush pile or “wild edge” area can give them a safe place to hatch and thrive. Even bundling a few cut stems together and leaning them against a fence or tree can preserve that habitat while still keeping your garden tidy.
Book resource:
We just found the book Good Bug Bad Bug on a trip to Amish country, and it’s been such a fun way to learn together. It makes it easy to recognize which insects are helping your garden and which ones might be causing damage.
It’s also a great reminder to rethink how much we clear away. Avoid burning brush piles in early spring when possible, as they may be full of overwintering insects like these. By leaving a small section of your yard a little more natural, you’re creating a mini ecosystem that supports pollinators and beneficial predators alike—right in your own Native Joy Garden. 🌿
