Wildlife Corner

I have 'Purple Tiger' and can confirm it's not that. Woo, there is a climber called 'Oh Wow' that looks like it. 'Purple Tiger'

I don't think they can kill the varroa mite without harming the bees a little. but I'm sure I've heard that the varroa mite can only kill honey bees because the mite is unable to get inside bumble bees.

Brilliant, thanks, good to know what I'm dealing with at least.Will go shopping for some pyrethrum tomorrow.Anyone had any experience with these nematodes? Are they effective? Need re-applying each year?

Well I could be a fan of Carling. Just saying, haha.

Added it my next year wish list as well , looks lovely

Lucky you...Provado is still available in the UK! Or you could try the 'bio' route with nematodes, but they need very particular conditions to work effectively.

I also have 3 under ground nests one which has been dug up but the bees and are still using it, so i will be watching this thread for info, thank you silu for post it

Funny but this last month we have seen a lot of bumbly bees in the garden, nice to see them and I hope a good sign.Last week wifey watered the garden and must of knocked a bubbly bee onto the floor. She accidently trod on it, Mr/s bumbly was not amused and stung her on bottom of foot!!!!Did...

doesn't work for us im afraid as the last few years we always seem to have seagulls around almost all year, we are quite near the sea/beach but they never really bothered coming here before

Frogs every garden should have them. They turn up in the most unexpected places, sheds, conservatory, greenhouse, compost heaps, when weeding, it is so good to see them. My 20 year old grandson came for me yesterday, I was up the garden. A large green dragonfly had come into the conservatory...

That was brilliant, thanks Clueless. Frank Herbert got his inspiration for 'Dune' from watching the moving sands in Oregon. If you haven't read it, I think you'd enjoy it.

Lovely pictures Strongy and thanks for the Oystercatcher. I'm still yet to get a shot of one, each time I go to the beach there is something disturbing them, tide is wrong etc. One day it will happen!

Smooth Newt, Palmate has webbed back feet. It has finished with ponds until next Spring.

Welcome to GC, alan16ac Different species of butterflies are attracted by different things. Nettles will encourage a Comma butterfly, buddleia encourages another (can't remember which), long grass offers a breeding space for others and my most favourite butterfly, the Holly Blue, I know is...

I think Loofah is right, a mixture of hardy perennials and wild flowers are a good option. The wild flowers might not be as prolific as you would want them to be and also being annuals will come and go....and not necessarily as you want them to!! I prefer to use hardy perennials that...

Thanks Spruce, bee-n working my way through the thread (there's a lot of reading to be done)!Was thinking of joining Fleet beekeepers society where u can study also. But before I went I wondered if it was ok to keep bees in your own garden? Or do most people keep them elsewhere? Wondered...

Yes, thanks. Just watched it and one part in particular made me shudder! Did you see the Natural BeeKeepers bit? Where they were basically shovelling bees with their bare hands? But earlier today I was sitting under an overhanging Damson tree, sadly no damsons forming for the second year,...

To be fair, I don't mind the fact that it stings ( I keep scorpions and Tarantulas as pets!) but I didn't like the idea of a nest of them right outside my back door. Now I know that there us not going to be a heavy infestation of hem I'm happy to let it Bee.

Awwww, poor thing. You have done this before so you know what you are doing. Good luck to you. Lucky Fox that has you to look out for him.

fair play to you Bilbo