Doing our bit for the bees and butterflies

This is a sole survivor of some scabious I grew from bought seed years ago. It always seeds itself in the crook of the wall. Were moving house soon and I found these six seedlings whilst mowing the lawn this morning. Now potted up and ready for their new home!




Next year I will plant food plants for catterpillars. hopefully to encourage egg laying.
This will include Nasturtians, and a cabbage or 2. Any other suggestions welcome.

Dave

 

I've grown birdsfoot trefoil from seed and have been chuffed to have Common Blue butterflies in the garden this summer. Stinging nettles are really good for caterpillars. They attract Red Admirals and Peacocks plus others.

 

Thanks for the heads up on Birds foot Trefoil. I had planned on nettles too, will probably plant a clump or three in sunken plant pots to stop the roots spreading.

I have a clump of red clover which is surviving its transplant from another part of the garden and have put in some Selfheal from the lawn!

Also in my head is Thistles and also Teasel. I'll be collecting some seeds from wild if I can ever remember when im out and about.

 

Hawkmoth butterfly love valerian thats an easy plant i find

 

Yes I know of Red Valerian but cant say ive ever noticed it being popular with flutterbyes. Given the nature of it I think its another one for a sunken pot. Shouldnt be hard to start, neighbors have it growing everywhere. Borders, driveways, guttering, hats, beards etc etc

 

FYI, all of those are really really cheap on eBay. Don't get them from the shops/GC!

 

Thanks, I have already found a prefered seller. Ebay is always the place to window shop!