I've always thought that if I can entice insects and wildlife into my garden, then well... I'm doing something right; A nicely camouflaged thick-legged flower beetle on love-in-a-mist even if I don't always notice them, I'm doing something right. Hornet on Dahlia 'Twyning's After Eight' Of course, we all know that insect numbers are falling … Continue reading Three Simple Ways To Encourage Insects Into Your Garden
Insects
Pale Tussock Moth
The caterpillar of the Pale Tussock Moth (Calliteara pudibunda) is large and very visible; which is just as well. Otherwise, I would have trundled over this one with the ride-on mower. It seemed out of place somehow and far too exotic for a Sussex garden. The caterpillars feed on a range of tree leaves including … Continue reading Pale Tussock Moth
Angle Shades And A Competition
I spend a lot of time thinking about what my next post might be. Especially when I'm mowing or weeding or doing some other mindless task - after all there's no-one to talk to; no-one real anyhow. But sometimes the decision is made for me. Like the other day. I was potting up some plants … Continue reading Angle Shades And A Competition
Strangers On My Knapweed
Common knapweed (Centaurea nigra) grows widely in the meadow. It flowers from June till September, is very popular with a wide range of insects and is usually abuzz with visitors. There are, of course, the usual bees and flies that feed on its nectar. But the other day there were three visitors that I didn't … Continue reading Strangers On My Knapweed
The Anxious Gardener 