Sunday 16 October 2011

Sunday safari

 The grey heron flies over the garden most days.     He even visits the pond in hope of finding something to eat.
 I am so lucky to live near a river and be so close to these beautiful birds.
As he flew over my head, I was fortunate to get an image.   It is not perfect by any means, but it does show his lovely wing structure.    I also love the pattern of his breast feathers........

Happy Sunday safari............

Sunday 9 October 2011

Sunday safari....Small copper.

 The Small copper lives for a month.
 She lays her eggs on sorrel and dock.    I have both in the garden.
I live in hope that she will use the plants :0)

Happy Sunday safari.

Sunday 2 October 2011

Sunday safari

 My father gave me this Aster a few years ago.   He could not remember her name.   She looks beautiful covered in morning dew.
 When a butterfly visits, the flower fades away.    The beauty and fragility of the butterfly is all that I see.
Some of our butterflies are in decline......they need our help.      They cannot ask, but I can, on their behalf.   
It does not matter how large or small a garden is, we can all do something to help them.
Here are some of the  plants much loved by butterflies:-

Echinacea
Verbena Bonarienses
Sedums
Hemp Agrimony
Fleabane
Aster
Sweet Rocket
Lavender
Teasel

And perhaps, if you really want to help, you could plant their host plants.    Nettles (I know, we gardeners do not like nettles) but they are the host plant for many of our butterflies.
I understand you do not want them in your borders,  but a pot of nettles in full sun could make such a difference.   Wouldn't it be wonderful if gardeners across the UK put a pot of nettles in their garden :)

I do so hope you are enjoying this unusually warm October......

Happy Sunday safari