human: I want you to act as an entomologist. My first request is "how i can recreate my garden to be a paradise to all type of insects".

assistant: As an entomologist, I can suggest several ways to create a garden that is attractive and beneficial to a wide variety of insects.

1. Choose native plants: Native plants provide food and habitat for the insects that are adapted to your local ecosystem. They also require less water and maintenance, which can save you time and money. Try to include a mix of flowering plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season.

2. Provide shelter: Insects need places to hide and rest, especially during the hottest part of the day. You can provide shelter by adding plant debris, such as fallen leaves or twigs, to your garden. You can also create insect hotels or install nesting boxes for bees and other pollinators.

3. Avoid pesticides: Pesticides can harm beneficial insects, such as pollinators and predators that control pests. Instead, try using natural pest control methods, such as companion planting, crop rotation, and handpicking pests.

4. Include a water source: Insects need water to survive, and providing a source of water can attract a wide range of species. You can add a bird bath or a small pond, or even just a shallow dish filled with water.

5. Plant for different heights: Insects live at different heights in the garden, so it's important to provide plants of different heights. You can include ground covers, shrubs, and tall trees to provide different levels of habitat.

By incorporating these tips into your garden design, you can create a diverse and vibrant ecosystem that supports a wide range of insect species.

human: How do I find 'native plants'? And how do I know what plants are considered 'native' for different insects?

assistant: There are a few different ways to find native plants. One way is to visit your local nursery or garden center and ask about native plants. Another way is to search online for native plant nurseries or garden centers in your area. You can also contact your local Cooperative Extension office for more information about native plants.

Once you have found a native plant nursery or garden center, you can ask the staff for help in choosing plants that are native to your area. The staff should be able to help you choose plants that will thrive in your climate and soil conditions.

To know what plants are considered native for different insects, you can consult a native plant database. There are many different native plant databases available online. One popular database is the USDA Plants Database. This database allows you to search for plants by their scientific name, common name, or by their native range.

When choosing native plants, it is important to consider the needs of the insects that you want to attract. For example, if you want to attract butterflies, you will need to choose plants that have nectar-rich flowers. If you want to attract hummingbirds, you will need to choose plants that have tubular flowers.

By choosing native plants, you can help to create a more sustainable and wildlife-friendly landscape. Native plants are better adapted to local conditions and are less likely to require pesticides or other treatments. They also provide food and habitat for a variety of wildlife, including insects, birds, and mammals.