For the past few weeks I’ve been getting a bit depressed about the state of my garden. The grass needed cutting again, but was still very wet. The plants in my pots were starting to look limp and frankly manky and a frost was imminent. I’d been trying to find a window of opportunity to …
Tag Archives: flowers
Where do bees go? (and other bits & bobs)
First an update – following on from last month’s tale of caterpillar carnage, I thought you might be interested to see this photo my sister sent me of parasitoid wasp cocoons on her window! Gruesome eh? Anyway, moving on – I was admiring Victoria’s lavender bed a few weeks ago and we were marvelling at the …
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Brutality among the Broccoli
As mentioned previously, despite the mesh cages I created around my broccoli plants, the butterflies still managed to lay their eggs on the leaves. Last week I found they were covered in very fat caterpillars, munching their way through the foliage at an alarming pace! Enough was enough, so I decided to pull out what …
Not all the ugly bugs are having a ball!
To be or not to be (a bug), that is the question. I firmly disagree with using pesticides and I try to accept that every bug in my garden has a purpose, other than destroying my plants! However I do try to minimise the damage they can inflict. The carnage caused by slugs and snails …
Home and Away
A fortnight ago I set off for my hols to a small Greek island. Before I could leave I needed to give GR a lesson on watering requirements for my seedlings and some of my thirstier garden plants. His attention span is akin to that of a goldfish, but I felt safe in the knowledge …
Net Gains (hopefully)
What wonderful weather we’ve been enjoying these past few weeks – I hope this doesn’t mean a disappointing summer though. Mind you today’s rain is much needed – the ground is looking very dry already. I was determined to be more restrained with my seed sowing this year but it all went a bit wrong. …
Amphibians, Reptiles and a Puzzle
What an interesting time I’ve had this month observing a wide variety of plants and creatures! Rosie, Daisy, Little Bud and I set out for a walk in Manor Heath Park, Halifax. Minutes into our stroll the heavens opened, so we took cover in a jungle – The Jungle Experience to be precise. Little Bud …
Breaking news – I’m officially a hooker!
Last weekend I joined 7 women in a cosy cabin to be taught by Lucy Chaplin how to be hookers! Now I know some of you will be jumping to conclusions, but let’s just take a reality check here. I don’t think in my advanced years there would be any income to be made from …
What’s in a name?
Are you old enough to remember the song Tiptoe Thru’ the Tulips With Me by Tiny Tim – if you are, then it’s probably best wiped from your mind screen. If you aren’t, then count yourself lucky! Recently I attended a talk about tulips, delivered by Teresa Clements who is on the Committee of the …
Battles, a bodge up and a baby
Gardening can sometimes seem like a never ending battle, as some of the wildlife seems hell-bent on destroying everything us gardeners strive to achieve. I know this is not the way to think really – all wildlife has a purpose – it’s all part of the circle of life, isn’t it? Around this time last …
Rambling Rose 