Happy Solstice to you too - the good news is that the days will get longer and longer from now till June, for you that is.
I did know that these Chrysannthemum "Daisies" were not apt for human consumption, but I had forgotten to clarify that in the original and went back later to add a note about this. But, I didn't know exactly what they contain that make them toxic till reading your comment. Then I went searching for pyrethrin and it looks like you can make a DIY insect-repelent for the garden with the powdered flowers. Now I am wondering if the owners of this plant planted them for that reason! I wonder if the flowers are toxic to the insects that land on the flower too. Any ideas?
Yup, shorter days for you and longer days for me. :)
The dried flowers are usually used to extract pyrethrin from and as a concentrate it is much stronger. It is what is found in most flea and mite treatments for dogs but is toxic for cats.
As for the flowers themselves... I think that there needs to be a lot of them growing in the same area to be truly effective as an insecticide. I think that many insects just avoid them altogether but am really unsure.
Thanks for this info!!
I had always wondered why our mare never eats any of them while she seems to really like other flowers like thistle and chicory and farmer's friend. I am always looking for a good flea treatment for our cats, of course, diatomaceous works very well. Now I know to never powder them with Chrysanthemums!
You are quite welcome!
Yeah, I like using diatomaceous earth also. I do not have that much experience with cats but nitenpyram is safe for both dogs and cats. I do not know what it is made from but it will kill all fleas on an animal within twenty-four hours.