Took a gamble and lost

amancalledgeorge

I knew planting box wood in South East London was a gamble...and it looks like I lost as the dreaded box tree caterpillar has put an appearance. For the first time in years I had to go and buy an insecticide to contain the outbreak.

Sadly it looks like I have to accept that I'll have to replace the few feature bits of topiary I have with alternatives, as I don't want to undo all the work to bring pollinators and other wildlife to the garden over the last two years. Will try and nurse them for now, they are very strong plants, so should bounce back but don't want to be in a vicious cycle of using chemicals just to keep a few balls of topiary going. 

Fairygirl

That's a shame. Have you thought of using an alternative for your topiary?
The shrubby honeysuckles can be a good alternative, although they'd need clipping more often  than box. If you want a simple ball shape, many Hebes are perfect for that as they form that shape naturally, and need almost no trimming at all to keep them that way.

amancalledgeorge

Yes @Fairygirl I'll probably get some honeysuckles or Japanese Holly as replacement...clipping is the partner's  responsibility...so no problem with more work on the clipping 😄 may just go for some bare root specimens and make a nice low hedge to frame our summer house at the end of the garden. Everything has been so healthy...time I run into an issue.