If you think it’s been a long, gloomy winter, then spare a thought for pollinators. As the season finally starts to draw to a close, they will begin to emerge from their winter sleep and head out in search of sustenance, and your borders and containers could be the perfect feeding ground.
With wildflowers in scant supply (it’s estimated that 97 per cent of wildflower meadows have been lost), gardens now provide vital food for bees and butterflies as they prepare to build nests and lay eggs. Ensuring a supply of nectar-rich late winter/early spring plants such as crocus, winter heather, and primrose could make all the difference
Take a stroll around the garden on a sunny winter’s day, and you’ll probably see (or hear) bumblebees. In December and January the buzz is likely to come courtesy of the buff-tailed bumblebee, which has started foraging in midwinter as a result of our warming climate. But in February and March, it could be the tree bumblebee, white-tailed bumblebee or the early bumblebee. Fresh out of hibernation, the queens will be feeding and searching for a nesting site, so give them a helping hand by growing their favourites – mahonia, hellebores, pussy willow, flowering currant, cherry blossom, and pulmonaria will all be welcome.
Beautiful butterflies
Butterflies will also be visible in the coming weeks – whether emerging from hibernation or arriving exhausted after a mind-boggling flight from Southern Europe or Africa. In March, look out for the harbinger of spring: the beautiful yellow brimstone, as well as commas, peacocks, red admirals, and small tortoiseshells. They feed on pussy willow and winter heather; then in mid-spring (when they’re joined by the beautiful green hairstreak, orange tip and painted lady butterflies) they enjoy fruit blossom, aubrietas, and wallflowers.
Denne historien er fra February 08, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
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Denne historien er fra February 08, 2020-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters