check the food plants for the caterpillars of the butterflies as well. just mentioned on another thread, last night's springwatch (on iplayer) all about butterflies and moths. worth a viewing.
As regards comfrey, I have grown this for years and it is the first plant to flower in abundance and looks stunning. The bees are all over it early in the year. I have found it easy to remove selected plants by pulling or lifting with a garden tool when it has finished flowering. It makes a very good liquid fertiliser. Black bag with small hole in base. Place in container with weight on top. Job done.
If you try a hebe go for Midsummer Beauty or Great Orme. Great Orme also attracts a variety of butterflies and hoverflies. I have had a large variety often mistaken for a hornet. At the moment the bees and butterflies are enjoying the sea hollies, echinops (globe thistle)
Saw most of that programme nut - thoroughly enjoyed it.
Crystal tips is right -Hebes are a great attraction - used to have loads of different ones and bees loved them. Borage can seed about a bit but if you don't mind that it's terrific for bees and very useful as previously stated! (You can put the flowers in ice cube trays and make fancy ice cubes) I might get some again for my little wild patch. I'm going to leave lots of the clover that's here and they are loving that just now. A word of warning - I stupidly had sandals on again when cutting grass the other day and walked over the 'clovery' bit and didn't notice a bee....one sore foot and lots of sweary words later...
Note to self: Really must wear appropriate footwear in the garden
It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Talking of caterpillars, I've had some on purple toadflax this year, yellow with black and grey running down the side. Is there caterpillar that likes toadflax. Anyone have any ideas?
Posts
check the food plants for the caterpillars of the butterflies as well. just mentioned on another thread, last night's springwatch (on iplayer) all about butterflies and moths. worth a viewing.
flowersforbees, I've PMd you
In the sticks near Peterborough
As regards comfrey, I have grown this for years and it is the first plant to flower in abundance and looks stunning. The bees are all over it early in the year. I have found it easy to remove selected plants by pulling or lifting with a garden tool when it has finished flowering. It makes a very good liquid fertiliser. Black bag with small hole in base. Place in container with weight on top. Job done.
If you try a hebe go for Midsummer Beauty or Great Orme. Great Orme also attracts a variety of butterflies and hoverflies. I have had a large variety often mistaken for a hornet. At the moment the bees and butterflies are enjoying the sea hollies, echinops (globe thistle)
Thanks all of you - I'm now keeping a notebook full of all your excellent tips!
Will look at springwatch Nutcutlet!
Saw most of that programme nut - thoroughly enjoyed it.
Crystal tips is right -Hebes are a great attraction - used to have loads of different ones and bees loved them. Borage can seed about a bit but if you don't mind that it's terrific for bees and very useful as previously stated! (You can put the flowers in ice cube trays and make fancy ice cubes) I might get some again for my little wild patch. I'm going to leave lots of the clover that's here and they are loving that just now. A word of warning - I stupidly had sandals on again when cutting grass the other day and walked over the 'clovery' bit and didn't notice a bee....one sore foot and lots of sweary words later...
Note to self: Really must wear appropriate footwear in the garden
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
Note to self: Really must wear appropriate footwear in the garden
Yes, that would be a good idea but in the summer I look at the big gardening boots then put on the gardening sandals.
Glad you enjoyed the programme Fg
In the sticks near Peterborough
I've beed looking at this site and am thinking of introducing some of the plants to encourage caterpillars:
http://www.thebutterflysite.com/create-butterfly-garden.shtml
Talking of caterpillars, I've had some on purple toadflax this year, yellow with black and grey running down the side. Is there caterpillar that likes toadflax. Anyone have any ideas?
i think you'll need a UK equivalent.
http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/foodplants.php
good idea. butterflies enjoy loads of flowers. Caterpillars need the right food.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Thanks nutcutlet - bookmarked