Plant 1 flower in garden to prevent blooms being 'ravaged by aphids'

No matter how much we work to protect our gardens, sometimes aphids can get in the way. If you don't know what they are, aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that have the potential to cause a lot of damage to plants by weakening them, distorting leaves and also passing on diseases.

They also produce a sticky waste product known as honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mould. However, even though they can cause many gardeners a problem, there are a few things you can do to deter them and ensure they don't cause damage to your plants - and a simple flower may be the answer.

To help people out, expert at Mr Fothergill's, David Fryer, has offered some essential advice. With over 30,000 followers on Instagram, the brand has been inspiring gardeners since way back in 1978 - and David has shared all sorts of tips, including how to rid weeds from gardens.

The expert said: "Greenfly and blackfly are the scourge of the garden, infesting a seemingly endless range of plant types. They suck the sap from leaves and stems, distorting growth and making plants unsightly. But not all plants are susceptible.

"Lavender is an excellent smelling plant with silvery foliage and spikes of purple flower heads. A great pollinator plant, attractive to bees, it looks good in any garden, either in the border or in containers."

He added: "If you plant it close to plants prone to aphids, such as roses, you will undoubtedly help keep the pests away. Another deterrent is garlic, which you can plant next to roses to deter aphid infestations or use as a spray."

Meanwhile, if you have issues with carrot root fly, he explained: "A major vegetable pest is the carrot root fly, caused by a small black fly that lays eggs in the soil near crops like carrots, celery and parsnips.

"The eggs hatch into larvae that tunnel into your plants, causing damage and rot. You can net your crops to prevent flies from getting near, and you can plant later to avoid peak fly activity.

"However, you can also grow onions among your crops as another natural deterrent."

There are also other natural methods you can use to deter pests. When you do a little research, you'll find there are all sorts of things you can do.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) states: "There are more than 500 aphid species in Britain. Some feed on only one or two plant species, but others can be found on a wide range of plant hosts.

"Many have lifecycles that involve more than one host plant. Almost any plant can be a host to aphids, including ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, greenhouse plants and houseplants."

It's recommended people tolerate aphids where possible, as it's normal to have some in a healthy, balanced garden. They are a really important food source for a wide range of wildlife in the garden.

You should also note it's rare for aphids to kill plants, but some can cause leaf and bud distortion. They can spread plant virusesand you may also spot some honeydew on which a harmless sooty mould can grow, but this can be wiped off with a damp cloth.

RHS adds: "You don't have to kill or control them. They are part of the biodiversity of gardens and a vital food source for other wildlife in your garden. If you do decide to control aphids, these are the ways you can cause least harm to the environment and avoid pesticides."