dragonflies

I want to start a garden and grow lavvender, lemon basil and othe typs of herbs and flowering plants. I want to breed dragonflies to occupy my garden, not just for mosquito control but for the pure beauty of them. Can anyone tell me how to do this short of building a pond. I live near water but m not on waterfront property. I would also like to know if there is any particular plant or flower they particularly like.
thank you

Hi!!...I have a large garden..and I also have a pond..with dragonflies.
Just my opinion..but I would think they would need a water source..not just the plants.
You may want to "google" gardening forums...or something pertaining to dragonflies to find exactly what you are looking for.
I DID find this..click here..

http://www.home-herb-garden.com/dragonflies.html

Hope that may help you..if not..
much as we would like to...("sorry"...but....the forum is about fish...and or related subjects.

Welcome to this forum.

Did i read somewhere that dragonfly nymphs turn into vicious predators in the water? I think they can eat small fish.

I think you're right John, Fry are especially vulnerable. Although Diane should be able to attest to that with the fry in her pond.

To answer the question at hand, it is my undersatnding that you would need a pond or fair sized area of water, like a wading pool if you don't want to commit to a pond, to breed the dragonflies. The nymphs live soley in the water until they mature. Otherwise, you'll just have to hope they come to visit your garden.

The drawback to a pool of stagnant water, however, is that the mosquitoes will also take advantage of this breeding ground.