The author Lesline Reid grew up in a community in Jamaica where horticulture was practiced widely by citizens who prized growing flowers for their beauty and economy. Roses, Orchids, Anthuriums, and Dahlias were of great interest to growers. Each year there would be competition by 4-H clubs, parishes and individuals competing for grand prizes or honorary mention, to give them access to the all island flower show at Denbigh Agricultural Grounds in the parish of Clarendon. People from all over the Caribbean and other nations would attend.

 As an avid 4- H member this was a delight for me a high point of the year.

My interest in farming and horticulture has never waned. The impact of the overuse of insecticides to control weeds and pest, on farm lands have greatly contributed to me creating the story about the Ladybug Army.

I hope I have been successful in opening your interest into horticulture and the fact that not all insects are bad. In fact, many are beneficial to protecting our food supply by fact that they are natural enemies to bad insect pest that destroy our food supply, by limiting production and harvest.