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Roger Parsons
07 July 2024 07:41:18
I had hoped to cut my no-mow area today, but I think the rain will wreck that plan - so it will have to be when it lets me next week. I don't use the strimmer before 10am on a Sunday when folks are having their lie in!
A lot of talk here about a shortfall in the potato crop this year and a likely rise on prices. It's worth checking out local growers who sell to the public.
RogerP
West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire
Everything taken together, here in Lincolnshire are more good things than man could have had the conscience to ask.
William Cobbett, in his Rural Rides - c.1830
Bertwhistle
07 July 2024 10:38:52
WE have had a lot of insects including bees this year- admittedly, mostly different sorts of bumblebees and small solitary bees, but also some honeybees on the lavender on sunny days. We do garden deliberately for insects mind.
Butterflies this season have included several of the vanessids including an early comma, 3 whites including orange tip, blues and browns including gatekeeper and ringlet. We've had 2 dragons and 3 damsels around the pond. There are beetles I can't name, various attractive spiders and moths. Thanks to all that help we have a bumper crop of apples and the tomatoes are setting fruit well.
However, this is a very localised population as many neighbours' gardens are pretty sterile places, with striped lawns, block paved fronts  and tight-flowered bedding plants.
One of the biggest bee magnets is an invasive species- Himalayan Balsam. We clear it every year but often too late- we want the bees to have their fill and before we know it seeds have set, pathing the way to next year's invasion.
Bertie, Itchen Valley.
Retire while you can still press the 'retire now' button.
NMA
  • NMA
  • Advanced Member
07 July 2024 10:55:41
That is interesting Bert. The most interesting beetle so far I've seen is the Rosemary Beetle. I spent time trying to capture the incredible colours on camera but never quite achieved what I wanted. A macro lens and wind is a poor combination to work with.
It's the winds that make spotting insects a challenge this year. I'm beginning to attract damselflies to my 'insect' pond which is a plus. Last year it was new and became a mosquito haven for a couple of weeks before I added two tiny goldfish which stopped that problem but will perhaps eat the damselfly larvae before they grow big enough to eat the mosquito larvae.
Otherwise, bees remain low in number. More hoverflies recently and my neighbour's dog midden is a haven/nursery for blue/greenbottles. Which means al fresco dining is sometimes an issue but the winds often prevent that. Otherwise, my Nicotiana sylvestris are enormous, in bud and I await their evening moth attracting potential. Plus the delicious scent they give off to humans.
Vale of the Great Dairies
South Dorset
Elevation 60m 197ft
Bertwhistle
07 July 2024 11:02:19

I had hoped to cut my no-mow area today, but I think the rain will wreck that plan - so it will have to be when it lets me next week. I don't use the strimmer before 10am on a Sunday when folks are having their lie in!
A lot of talk here about a shortfall in the potato crop this year and a likely rise on prices. It's worth checking out local growers who sell to the public.

Originally Posted by: Roger Parsons 


I've left mine in two halves- one to see what comes up, and one to which I added English wildflower seeds. The left area is predominantly several grasses, with, across the season, the expected visitors (dandelion, daisy, ribwort plantain) but also a few surprise appearances from hawkweed and forget-me-not. The sown area is a postcard. I need to get down on my knees to see what's in there but hoverflies and butterflies have been using it.
Bertie, Itchen Valley.
Retire while you can still press the 'retire now' button.
Bertwhistle
07 July 2024 11:04:58

That is interesting Bert. The most interesting beetle so far I've seen is the Rosemary Beetle. I spent time trying to capture the incredible colours on camera but never quite achieved what I wanted. A macro lens and wind is a poor combination to work with.
It's the winds that make spotting insects a challenge this year. I'm beginning to attract damselflies to my 'insect' pond which is a plus. Last year it was new and became a mosquito haven for a couple of weeks before I added two tiny goldfish which stopped that problem but will perhaps eat the damselfly larvae before they grow big enough to eat the mosquito larvae.
Otherwise, bees remain low in number. More hoverflies recently and my neighbour's dog midden is a haven/nursery for blue/greenbottles. Which means al fresco dining is sometimes an issue but the winds often prevent that. Otherwise, my Nicotiana sylvestris are enormous, in bud and I await their evening moth attracting potential. Plus the delicious scent they give off to humans.

Originally Posted by: NMA 


Our pond has always been a hybrid, with goldfish and koi but also frogs, damsels, pondskaters and water measurers. We sit out and watch a good number of damselflies taking off to rest and dry after emerging most years, despite a dozen hungry fish, so you might be okay Nick.
Bertie, Itchen Valley.
Retire while you can still press the 'retire now' button.
Bolty
17 July 2024 19:30:08
Not been the best year here for gardening, given the notable lack of sunshine this spring and summer. That said, when it does come out, it doesn't half bring the flowers out with it. The sweet peas and my California poppies are bursting out:

UserPostedImage UserPostedImage

These are lovely plants as well. Night scented phlox. They're stunning around a seating area as in the evening they give off a lovely sweet, sherbety smell. I wish I grew a bit more of it, to be honest:

UserPostedImage
Scott
Blackrod, Lancashire (4 miles south of Chorley) at 156m asl.
My weather station 
NMA
  • NMA
  • Advanced Member
18 July 2024 11:59:14
You've inspired me Bolty to think online about garden trends or whatever in my garden this year. I've added night scented phlox to my list for next year. Thank you.
Scent is important. In the past, I’ve placed pots of Nicotianas in strategic spots. Last years N affinis were fine but over all too soon. Two pots of Nicotiana sylvestris is going great guns this year and just beginning to flower.
UserPostedImage
I like Borage, bees like it too.
UserPostedImage
This Euonymus, a borrowed view tree died last winter in the ‘bad’ neighbour's garden. They aren’t gardeners and I guess this will remain in situ for some time. So I have a permanent ‘winter view’. I think they killed it because the leaves or seeds are poisonous to dogs?  UserPostedImage
Wild marjoram is a ‘bee plant’. I have a small ‘nursery’ of these that I plan to plant in a wild meadow at work. 
UserPostedImage

             

Vale of the Great Dairies
South Dorset
Elevation 60m 197ft
Bolty
18 July 2024 12:15:01

You've inspired me Bolty to think online about garden trends or whatever in my garden this year. I've added night scented phlox to my list for next year. Thank you.
Scent is important. In the past, I’ve placed pots of Nicotianas in strategic spots. Last years N affinis were fine but over all too soon. Two pots of Nicotiana sylvestris is going great guns this year and just beginning to flower.
    

Originally Posted by: NMA 


Great to hear! Yes they are lovely plants. There's a few different types of night scented phlox though, so I'd recommend a cultivar called "Midnight Candy" for the best scent! You can buy a packet with thousands of seeds in it and then just start them in seed trays around early February. They'll be ready to plant by summer. 🙂
Scott
Blackrod, Lancashire (4 miles south of Chorley) at 156m asl.
My weather station 
Roger Parsons
18 July 2024 12:19:17
Re Marjorams etc. I always enjoy finding "the Mint Moth". I expect you know it.
https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/mint-moth 
RogerP
West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire
Everything taken together, here in Lincolnshire are more good things than man could have had the conscience to ask.
William Cobbett, in his Rural Rides - c.1830
StoneCroze
19 July 2024 12:03:16
Just been out damping down the greenhouse. Over 30C in there!!
Alderney, Channel Islands. (previously known as Beaufort)
Retron
19 July 2024 12:14:11

Just been out damping down the greenhouse. Over 30C in there!!

Originally Posted by: StoneCroze 


29C upstairs here, and rising... I won't need to go to a greenhouse to experience 30C!

(I'd have thought given strong sunshine it'd be nearer 40 under glass today...)
Leysdown, north Kent
Roger Parsons
19 July 2024 13:41:29
30C in garden now!
RogerP
West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire
Everything taken together, here in Lincolnshire are more good things than man could have had the conscience to ask.
William Cobbett, in his Rural Rides - c.1830
StoneCroze
19 July 2024 14:51:08

29C upstairs here, and rising... I won't need to go to a greenhouse to experience 30C!

(I'd have thought given strong sunshine it'd be nearer 40 under glass today...)

Originally Posted by: Retron 


Checked again, currently 30.9C. The sea has a big moderating effect, and I live only about 100 yards from it!! Sea breezes are kicking in.
Alderney, Channel Islands. (previously known as Beaufort)
Retron
19 July 2024 14:56:13

Checked again, currently 30.9C. The sea has a big moderating effect, and I live only about 100 yards from it!! Sea breezes are kicking in.

Originally Posted by: StoneCroze 


Exactly the same temperature here. I'll be interested to see what effect it has on the garden... the 39C we had here two years ago to the day made my neighbour's cherry tree leaves wilt, it looked pretty pathetic for the rest of that summer. Since then it's never been the same, and doesn't develop the same lush canopy as it used to.
Leysdown, north Kent
StoneCroze
19 July 2024 15:03:51

Exactly the same temperature here. I'll be interested to see what effect it has on the garden... the 39C we had here two years ago to the day made my neighbour's cherry tree leaves wilt, it looked pretty pathetic for the rest of that summer. Since then it's never been the same, and doesn't develop the same lush canopy as it used to.

Originally Posted by: Retron 


Yes, I'm surprised how trees survive at times. I can't believe I didn't lose any last year during Storm Cieran, especially the pines, the tallest of which must be 60' tall on sandy soil, and survived an104 mph gust recorded about a half a mile from here.   
Alderney, Channel Islands. (previously known as Beaufort)
29 July 2024 12:52:29
Had the pleasure of watching what I assume was a hummingbird hawk moth in the garden yesterday. Not seen one before. It was a joy to watch as it moved amongst the numerous flowerheads of several verbena bonariensis plants
Jason
Salfords, Surrey
Roger Parsons
29 July 2024 12:59:05

Had the pleasure of watching what I assume was a hummingbird hawk moth in the garden yesterday. Not seen one before. It was a joy to watch as it moved amongst the numerous flowerheads of several verbena bonariensis plants

Originally Posted by: Mildly Disappointed 


Verbena bonariensis is a great plant. I find I am unable to commit the name to memory for some reason, despite having it in the garden for years! A Hummingbird Hawk moth is indeed a joy to watch.
https://butterfly-conservation.org/moths/humming-bird-hawk-moth 
Short Clip from 2022:
https://www.facebook.com/SussexWildlifeTrust/videos/hummingbird-hawk-moths-seem-to-be-having-a-good-summer-we-have-had-lots-of-sight/731614444602311/ 
RogerP
West Lindsey district of Lincolnshire
Everything taken together, here in Lincolnshire are more good things than man could have had the conscience to ask.
William Cobbett, in his Rural Rides - c.1830
NMA
  • NMA
  • Advanced Member
29 July 2024 13:30:46
If you can't have the real McCoy sipping nectar in your UK garden, this isn't far off, well sort of.
They are not that uncommon. I've seen quite a few over the years. Lots (all relative in the current climate) of evening moths now in this warm weather. Today more butterflies and whilst not a bee explosion, notably more than in previous weeks honey and bumblebees when I just looked outside.
Damsel flies too.
I had a frog issue earlier. I picked up a pot with a fern outside the kitchen and an adult frog hopped off and jumped straight into the drain.
I had to find a scythe sharpener (rough surface) in the shed and allow the frog to climb up it. I saw that they can squeeze though very narrow bars even as adults. The drain cover is cemented in and I didn't want to remove the mortar. I then put it into pond No. 1 to give it a clean. It then hopped into some wild strawberries by the edge.

Vale of the Great Dairies
South Dorset
Elevation 60m 197ft
Bolty
09 August 2024 17:40:34
To the people who know their Japanese acers, does anyone know what cultivar these are? I got the seedlings off a friend at work, but he says his missus threw the identification card out and so can't remember what they are.

UserPostedImage

https://i.postimg.cc/2jz5mjw0/20240809-183440.jpg 
Scott
Blackrod, Lancashire (4 miles south of Chorley) at 156m asl.
My weather station 
NMA
  • NMA
  • Advanced Member
10 August 2024 06:22:14

To the people who know their Japanese acers, does anyone know what cultivar these are? I got the seedlings off a friend at work, but he says his missus threw the identification card out and so can't remember what they are.

UserPostedImage

https://i.postimg.cc/2jz5mjw0/20240809-183440.jpg 

Originally Posted by: Bolty 


I’m no expert on Japanese acers but from what I've read they won't come true from seed to the cultivar.
I do know the golden/yellow varieties can scorch in bright sunshine. (not such a problem this year and they have done well in my garden).
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/acer/japanese-maples/growing-guide 




Vale of the Great Dairies
South Dorset
Elevation 60m 197ft
Bolty
10 August 2024 11:08:12

I’m no expert on Japanese acers but from what I've read they won't come true from seed to the cultivar.
I do know the golden/yellow varieties can scorch in bright sunshine. (not such a problem this year and they have done well in my garden).
https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/acer/japanese-maples/growing-guide 


Originally Posted by: NMA 


Interesting, thanks for the info. 👍

It sounds very similar to how you can't grow the same apple tree from the seeds of the parent plant. There's always a mutation and it's why most of them need a root stock.
Scott
Blackrod, Lancashire (4 miles south of Chorley) at 156m asl.
My weather station 
DEW
  • DEW
  • Advanced Member
10 August 2024 12:01:41

Interesting, thanks for the info. 👍

It sounds very similar to how you can't grow the same apple tree from the seeds of the parent plant. There's always a mutation and it's why most of them need a root stock.

Originally Posted by: Bolty 


Well, gene mixing anyway, as apples have such a wide variety of genes.

We don't get surprised when human children turn out different from their parents (think colour of hair, eyes etc) - why should it be a surprise for apples or maples?
War does not determine who is right, only who is left - Bertrand Russell

Chichester 12m asl
NMA
  • NMA
  • Advanced Member
10 August 2024 12:32:07
Indeed David.
Bolty got me thinking on this damp murky afternoon into clones not seedlings.
Not all clones remain identical either.
https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/questions/do-plants-grown-cuttings-share-identical-dna 



Vale of the Great Dairies
South Dorset
Elevation 60m 197ft
StoneCroze
10 August 2024 16:25:18
I always have a battle with butterflies laying eggs on my rocket in the greenhouse at this time of year, I tend to snip the flowers off as this discourages them.
This year I have a very useful ally in the shape of a tame robin which hatched earlier in the year. He is very friendly and goes in and picks the caterpillars off for me. 
Alderney, Channel Islands. (previously known as Beaufort)
29 August 2024 15:36:16
Just found an elephant hawk moth caterpillar in the garden. I wondered what the dog was incessantly barking at in one of the borders. It was about the size of my index finger. Safely moved to an overgrown area away from the aforementioned hound
Jason
Salfords, Surrey
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