Keep it that way phillippa, all our grass (paths only) is new this year, still keeping up the 'perfection' but it won't last.
We put in some wild flower seeds we got for free from Country File this year. Come the summer we had a lovely stand of Ragwort and a couple of poppies lol. Cleared it all out for home grown foxgloves next year (well the flowers will come the year after, but got to make a start with them)
You know,just googling ragwort, I didn't realise just how many insect species it supports. Read this Wikipedia link...I'm gobsmacked and was happy to let it have a place in my garden but even more so now!!
Ragwort is a great plant Fishy65 though somewhat controversial in my professional life, as many describe it as a 'notifiable' weed. The Weeds Act 1959 mentions it, though I've yet to find out who you are supposed to 'notify' or if indeed if there is any such obligation to do so (one suspects there is not and the whole 'notifiable' thing is a myth with no supporting legislation!)
But back to it being a great plant, cinnabar moth caterpillars love it (and are in decline), which is reason enough for me to always have some growing in the garden. I love their black and yellow stripes
Susan, I had totally forgotten about using buttercups to test if someone liked butter, thanks for reminding me
Hi Gemma, I'm so glad you've got some Ragwort too. My Mum (God rest her soul) was very horsie and owned a Welsh Cob and Irish Draught? Nothing to do with stout...but I remember mucking the stables out many a time and the general consensus was that Ragwort was public enemy number one. We had to make sure there was none in the hay.
However, I've let it grow in my garden for a few years now and like you, love to see the cinnabar caterpillars on it. Though there weren't many this year for some reason
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How about Ragwort in the lawn? I've got plenty of that...in fact I dig it up and replant in the border
Keep it that way phillippa, all our grass (paths only) is new this year, still keeping up the 'perfection' but it won't last.
We put in some wild flower seeds we got for free from Country File this year. Come the summer we had a lovely stand of Ragwort and a couple of poppies lol. Cleared it all out for home grown foxgloves next year (well the flowers will come the year after, but got to make a start with them)
You know,just googling ragwort, I didn't realise just how many insect species it supports. Read this Wikipedia link...I'm gobsmacked and was happy to let it have a place in my garden but even more so now!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacobaea_vulgaris
Ragwort is a great plant Fishy65 though somewhat controversial in my professional life, as many describe it as a 'notifiable' weed. The Weeds Act 1959 mentions it, though I've yet to find out who you are supposed to 'notify' or if indeed if there is any such obligation to do so (one suspects there is not and the whole 'notifiable' thing is a myth with no supporting legislation!)
But back to it being a great plant, cinnabar moth caterpillars love it (and are in decline), which is reason enough for me to always have some growing in the garden. I love their black and yellow stripes
Susan, I had totally forgotten about using buttercups to test if someone liked butter, thanks for reminding me
Hi Gemma, I'm so glad you've got some Ragwort too. My Mum (God rest her soul) was very horsie and owned a Welsh Cob and Irish Draught? Nothing to do with stout...but I remember mucking the stables out many a time and the general consensus was that Ragwort was public enemy number one. We had to make sure there was none in the hay.
However, I've let it grow in my garden for a few years now and like you, love to see the cinnabar caterpillars on it. Though there weren't many this year for some reason