EXCEPTIONAL GROWTH AND FLOWERING

Since this thread was started, I've been taking extra notice of things happening in the garden. Not only as regards plants, but also wild life.

Starting with plant life. As I said on one of my other posts, this year has been exceptional, possibly because things are at least 3 weeks earlier than usual.

In regards to wild life. For the first time since moving in, I've noticed 5 young hedgehogs. In previous years, I've never seen more than two. A couple of days ago, I was happy to see a Nordic Bee. Thats on the endangered species list here. I guess that there is a lot of birdsong, as four pairs of Blackbirds have been nesting in my hedges. I can only guess, for the simple reason my hearing is not good enough to hear them any more. I can hear the bees though, so that should give an idea of how many there are. There are several different species of butterflies also.

 

I came across a large patch of thistles in flower in the local park this morning.
It was totally alive with butterflies, hover flies, those red beetle like things.

The butterflies were all kinds only one I can name is peacock, but lots of other different ones.

So, grow thistles.

 

LOL Yes, but what species of thistle, Pete? We've got loads of 'em in Britain!

Nick