What's Looking Good April 2015

Hi silu, if you want to use chemicals the pyrethum will kill the larvae of the Sawfly. I say larvae because although they look like Caterpillars they are not. I stopped using pesticides in my garden because about 7 years ago I noticed a drop in the number of Bees, Hover flies, etc in the garden. Since then there's been a slow but noticeable increase of beneficial insects and they're not only appearing in greater numbers but also earlier. A lot of them lay eggs in the nettles etc in my wild area so their hatchery is safe from chemicals.
If you don't want to use chemicals then you have to check every day, as I do, and catch the larvae in the act in the hundreds and squish them. Even then, because there are so many of them and they're such voracious feeders, they can do damage before you get to them!

 

We've just swapped nine pots of forget-me-nots for a Podocarpus Latifolius. Fair exchange

Try this one @longk
Don't 'forget' to look at the more distant parts of the garden



Although we seemed to be a long way behind a lot of you, the rain the other day appears to have given the plants a boost. One of our Choisyas is just starting to bud up nicely and some of the lilacs are doing the same - they were open by this time last year.

We've, finally, got a few tulips starting to open (note the lovely little blue flowers around them)


Tree peonies are also trying their best but we would have been happier for them to delay a bit so they would still be in flower for Open Day





The Welsh poppies are ahead of their Californian relations





It has taken a few years for this clematis to give us more than just the occasional flower. It has climbed up one of our lilac trees and has already opened up a few dozens flowers.





"The Bride" has suddenly opened and is enjoying the sunshine after her shower



After a poor showing last year, and a late start this year, the magnolia is covered in buds and flowers. It normally continues flowering through to July as it's sheltered under our willow. Having had to remove the top half of the willow I'm wondering whether it will have an effect on the longevity of the flowers





Bowles golden grass brightens up a very shady part of the garden - in shade all day long