A few words about beating back mosquitoes, the natural way!  I, for one, am endlessly tortured by the nasty buggers who seem to prefer my blood to that of those around me.  In fact, I have had friends ask me to their outdoor parties to act as a mosquito repellent, knowing their other guests will not be bothered by the little bloodsuckers if I am around.

Hey, a party’s a party.

Anyway, a little horticultural assistance can go a long way in repelling them.  The oil from catnip has actually been found to be ten times better at repelling mosquitoes than DEET.  Really!  I wouldn’t plant them in the ground, though, or you’ll be overrun with cats.  Instead, put them in pots and containers around the porch or deck.

Rosemary works well, too.  It also has an oil that mosquitoes smell and avoid.  But put it in a pot as well, since its tropical roots ( no pun intended) mean that it won’t survive winter outside.

Finally, marigolds.  Mosquitos detest their scent and avoid them at all costs.  I would suggest putting together some pots with marigolds at the center, surrounded by rosemary, then circled with catnip.  Pretty to look at, and good at deterring skeeters.  What more could you want?