Plant Buddies

Rachel Carson mentioned a case study in Holland, in which city workers planted marigolds in rose beds to successfully diminish nematode destruction. As a young girl, I remember visiting my grandparents' vast garden, which was surrounded by marigolds. Until just a few minutes ago, I had no idea that they planted them there for the safety of their flowers and vegetables. Marigolds, like many herbs, have strong odors that keep rabbits away and also aphids, little bugs that feed on vegetation. Not to mention, they do the job of an herbicide without the danger of using chemicals and introducing foreign species into an area. In an article from Flower & Garden Magazine, many other 'plant buddies' are mentioned and I think that you should take a quick glance.