ANT day, as it's known, is when winged black ants head to the skies, their silver wings flashing in the sunshine as they rise. With no shortage of baggage handlers or queues on the runway, the numbers taking the short haul into the heavens is astonishing. Swarms can contain many millions and be a colossal 50 miles wide!
Ant day is also revealing. I knew from the tell-tale crumbs of sand on the patio that there was a nest below, but it turns out our garden is an aardvark's dream, with ants breaking cover from nest-top launch sites in the pots, the lawn and even under the roof tiles of the house.
I know some are squeamish about these airborne mini-beasts, but they are remarkable. Not only are they winged and bigger than the worker ants that scuttle through our gardens, but they're males and females built for love - and their nuptial flight is about finding a mate.
Denne historien er fra August 13, 2022-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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Denne historien er fra August 13, 2022-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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
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
