Ladybug releases have become a popular way to celebrate Earth Day.

The eco-aware know that ladybugs improve the health of local vegetation. They act as a natural pesticide by feeding on insects that could hurt the health of gardens, trees and shrubs.

Luckily, it is ladybug weekend at Pike's Nurseries and they are giving away more than 2 million ladybugs -- so you can have your own ladybug release.

Pike's doesn't sell the 150-count ladybug sample packets they are giving away, though they do sell 1,500 count cups of ladybugs for $9.99. Shoppers will get a free sample packet with any purchase.

In addition, you can learn all about bugs that are good for your garden including ladybugs, praying mantis and more during the "beneficial bugs" classes on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. Classes are free and no registration is necessary.

When you are ready to release your ladybugs, sprinkle water around the area where you plan to release them. It is best to release them in the evening at the base of a plant so they will be able to find food for the night.

For more information on ladybug weekend, visit www.pikenursery.com where you will also find ideas for ladybug crafts for kids, ladybug party ideas and more.

There are 15 Pike Nurseries locations in the metro area including:

Pike Nurseries, Acworth

3602 Cobb Parkway, Acworth GA 30101

678-574-5868

Pike Nurseries, Buckhead

4020 Roswell Road, Atlanta GA 30342

404-843-9578

Pike Nurseries, Cumming

6050 Bethelview Road, Cumming GA 30040

770-205-1737

Pike Nurseries, East Cobb

2900 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta GA 30062

770-640-6468

Pike Nurseries, Holcomb Bridge

2955 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta GA 30022

770-641-1217

Pike Nurseries, Johns Creek

5795 State Bridge Road, Alpharetta GA 30022

770-813-5050

Pike Nurseries, Lake Oconee

1341 Linger Longer Road, Greensboro GA 30642

706-454-2043

Pike Nurseries, Lindbergh

2410 Camellia Lane NE , Atlanta GA 30324

404-869-2875

Pike Nurseries, Marietta

1875 Roswell Road, Marietta GA 30062

770-977-3040

Pike Nurseries, Peachtree City

103 Hwy 74 South, Peachtree City GA 30269

770-632-9111

Pike Nurseries, Roswell

615 W. Crossville Road, Roswell GA 30075

770-645-6457

Pike Nurseries, Suwanee

1105 Peachtree Ind. Blvd., Suwanee GA 30024

770-271-5433

Pike Nurseries, Toco Hills

2101 LaVista Road, Atlanta GA 30329

404-634-8604

Pike Nurseries, Towne Lake

2475 Towne Lake Parkway, Woodstock GA 30189

770-926-3252

Pike Nurseries, West Cobb

3431 Barrett Parkway NW, Marietta GA 30064

770-423-1650