Thought I'd pick this thread up for the new season.
I saw my first butterfly of the year this morning. A yellow brimstone I think. It did not settle on anything, just fluttered around the garden. My butterfly book says they like yellow flowers at this time of year such as primroses and daffodils.
We se quite a lot about nectar plants for butterflies but perhaps more important would be plants for their caterpillars - so what should I grow for them? (excluding nettles, though I may grow some in a pot to curtail the roots and remove the seedheads).
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Saw a "Comma" at the weekend, also on Scabious.
Thought I'd pick this thread up for the new season.
I saw my first butterfly of the year this morning. A yellow brimstone I think. It did not settle on anything, just fluttered around the garden. My butterfly book says they like yellow flowers at this time of year such as primroses and daffodils.
Ditto Marygold! Here in East Berkshire fluttering in the sunshine!
Red Admiral on Rudbeckia last summer. Can't wait until the butterflies and bees are back.
We se quite a lot about nectar plants for butterflies but perhaps more important would be plants for their caterpillars - so what should I grow for them? (excluding nettles, though I may grow some in a pot to curtail the roots and remove the seedheads).
These both from a couple of years back...
Sue:
Bird's foot trefoil is a foodplant of Common Blues.
Holly and Ivy for Holly Blues.
Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) on acid or netral soil or Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) on alkaline soil for Brimstone.
Lady's Smock (Cardamine pratensis) for Orange Tips.
And of course, cabbage!