Nature’s Theatre: The Epic Drama of Garden Insects

An incredible Shakespearian level drama unfolds every day in your backyard. Insects play an essential role in it - as pollinators, predators and recyclers of decomposing animal and plant material. Their presence and existence are of vital importance as a keystone source of food for birds, mammals and other insects; the beautiful daily drama of trickery, deceit, and skullduggery is a marvel to behold. But if your garden is a non-native/invasive-species wasteland, with no food that they can eat, they may never get onstage. With the right habitat, you can help sustain the all-important ecosystem (and great theatre) in your garden and have the insects working for you. Come see what the buzz is all about.

Pam Gilpin has compiled an informative photo essay to accompany a discussion of insects that can be seen in our gardens and their importance to the ecosystem. She was an estate gardener for 30 years, is a RI Certified Horticulturalist, has served as a member of the Newport Tree and Open Space Commission, served on the board of the Newport Tree Conservancy and is currently a member of the Living Collection Committee for the Newport Tree Conservancy.