I’ve recently moved to a new town and am working on setting up the backyard space before summertime begins, complete with a water play area for the littles and a small garden for me. Due to mosquito activity at our old place, I’ve also invested in new citronella candles to place around the patio.

Did you know that the plants we strategically put in our yards can also repel unwanted insects? The plants serve multiple purposes, which I love; they’re aesthetically pleasing, produce fruit, and keep pests away from my bare ankles. Below, you’ll find a list of these common plants to incorporate into your yard. To learn more, check out Kristy Doubet Haare’s article in the Summer 2023 Issue of Willow and Sage.

Insect Repelling Plants:

• Lemongrass
• Eucalyptus
• Lemon balm
• Sage
• Peppermint
• Citronella
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Lemon
• Lavender
• Orange
• Cedarwood
• Lime
• Spearmint

Want to see more? Peek inside our NEW Summer 2023 Issue on our publisher’s website!

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.