Gardeners urged to check two flowers for creatures that can cause chaos

Two of the most beautiful flowers to frequent gardens are also firm favourites among pests, gardeners have been warned.

Now that spring is here, many of us have started planting in our and growing fruits for the season. But along with this comes the risk of pest and insect invasions, as they try to find their way into some of our favourite .

Lilies and fritillaries are beautiful additions to any garden but are also favourites among garden pests. It's important to check both lilies and fritillaries for scarlet lily beetles, as these can quickly strip the plants of their foliage. These striking red beetles can grow up to 8mm long and may be spotted anytime from March to October.

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When you approach a plant infested with these beetles, they tend to drop to the ground and land on their backs, making them harder to spot. They consume lily foliage and leave behind black excrement — a helpful clue to identify an infestation even if the beetles themselves aren't visible.

It’s crucial to check for eggs and larvae under the leaves and remove them as soon as possible. Vigilance is the best form of protection, but if the situation gets out of hand, spraying with insecticide is the most effective solution. This can also help prevent further infestations.

Fritillaries can thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine, or in moisture-retentive soil in shaded areas. It’s important to check the growing requirements of your chosen Fritillaria species carefully. Ideally, bulbs should be planted in September or October to bloom in the spring.

These aren’t the only plants gardeners need to monitor. Roses, a fan favourite, are also a common target for pests and diseases, which is why it's essential to protect them as they begin to bloom.

Ants, snails, and are common rose predators, and one natural precaution is using garlic to keep them at bay. Garlic helps prevent the development of black spots on roses due to its antifungal properties and can even enhance their fragrance.

Planting garlic near roses is said to improve the flower's scent — a desirable outcome for many gardeners cultivating these romantic, vibrant blooms.

You can use garlic cloves from your kitchen: simply separate the cloves and plant them in the soil about a foot away from the base of your rose bush. Make sure the pointed end of each clove faces upward when planting.