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Pollinators

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’: A Stunning Elder Tree for Gardens and Wildlife

by Gregory July 5, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’: A Beautiful and Beneficial Tree

Introduction

Meet Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’, a stunning elder tree known for its unique black foliage and vibrant pink flowers. This tree is a must-have for any garden, attracting wildlife and adding beauty to your landscape.

Key Features

Height and Spread: Grows up to 6 meters tall and wide
Hardiness: Hardy in most climates
Foliage: Finely cut, almost black foliage
Flowers: Pink-flushed blooms in early summer
Fruit: Red-black elderberries in the fall

Planting and Care

Soil: Prefers moist but well-drained soil
Sun Exposure: Thrives in full sun to partial shade
Planting Time: Plant anytime from January to June
Pruning: Prune back to ground level in early spring for best foliage color

Benefits for Wildlife

Attracts bees, birds, and other pollinators
Provides nectar, pollen, shelter, and habitat

Toxicity

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is non-toxic to humans and pets.

Companion Plants

For a stunning contrast, pair with plants that have lighter colored foliage, such as hostas or ferns.
To attract even more wildlife, plant it near other pollinator-friendly species like lavender or sunflowers.

Conclusion

Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ is an easy-to-grow and versatile tree that adds beauty, wildlife benefits, and a touch of mystery to any garden. With its striking foliage and vibrant blooms, this tree is sure to become a favorite.

Wildlife Gardening

Wildlife Gardening in August: A Guide to Attracting Butterflies, Birds, and Other Animals

by Gregory June 26, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Wildlife Gardening in August

Introduction

As summer winds down and autumn approaches, your garden can still be a haven for wildlife. In August, many plants are still blooming, providing nectar and pollen for pollinators. Birds are preparing for migration and are on the lookout for fruits, berries, and seeds. Small mammals are also active, searching for food and shelter.

Best Plants for August Wildlife Gardening

Verbena bonariensis: This late-blooming plant is a favorite of butterflies and bees.
Echium vulgare (viper’s bugloss): This native wildflower has beautiful blue flowers that attract a wide range of pollinators.
Dyer’s chamomile: This daisy-like flower is a magnet for solitary bees and hoverflies.
Honeysuckle: The fragrant flowers of honeysuckle attract hummingbirds and butterflies. In August, look for the sticky red berries that follow the flowers.
Nasturtiums: These edible flowers are a favorite of cabbage white butterflies. Planting nasturtiums near your brassica plants (such as cabbage and broccoli) can help protect them from caterpillars.
Greater knapweed: This wildflower is a late-bloomer that provides food for goldfinches.
Devil’s bit scabious: This meadow plant has purple flower heads that are beloved by pollinators.

Tips for Attracting Wildlife to Your Garden in August

Plant a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the season.
Provide water sources for birds and other animals.
Create a brush pile or rock garden to provide shelter for small mammals and insects.
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, which can harm wildlife.
Let some of your plants go to seed. The seeds will provide food for birds and other animals.

Wildlife to Look for in Your Garden in August

Butterflies: Many butterflies are still on the wing in August, including the small tortoiseshell, red admiral, and peacock.
Bees: Bees are busy collecting nectar and pollen to prepare for winter.
Birds: Birds are preparing for migration and are on the lookout for food. Look for robins, blackbirds, and thrushes feeding on berries.
Small mammals: Small mammals, such as squirrels and chipmunks, are active in August, searching for food and shelter.

How to Make Your Garden a Haven for Wildlife

Creating a wildlife-friendly garden is a rewarding experience. By providing food, water, and shelter, you can help wildlife thrive in your backyard. Here are a few tips to get you started:

Plant a variety of native plants. Native plants are adapted to your local climate and provide food and shelter for a wide range of wildlife.
Create a water source. A birdbath or small pond can provide water for birds, bees, and other animals.
Build a brush pile or rock garden. Brush piles and rock gardens provide shelter for small mammals, insects, and other wildlife.
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides. Pesticides and herbicides can harm wildlife.
Let some of your plants go to seed. The seeds will provide food for birds and other animals.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and wildlife-friendly garden that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.

Gardening for Wildlife

Wilder Gardening: Helping or Harming Wildlife? A Guide for Nature-Conscious Gardeners

by Gregory June 26, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Wilder Gardening: Helping or Harming Wildlife?

What is Wilder Gardening?

Wilder gardening is a trend that encourages gardeners to create gardens that are more natural and less manicured. These gardens typically feature native plants, diverse habitats, and reduced chemical use.

Benefits of Wilder Gardening

Supports wildlife: Wilder gardens provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for a variety of animals, including birds, insects, and mammals.
Reduces insect decline: Insects are essential for pollination and other ecological processes, and wilder gardens can help support their populations.
Enhances biodiversity: Diverse plant life attracts a wide range of insects and other wildlife, creating a more balanced ecosystem.
Promotes natural habitats: Wilder gardens mimic natural environments, providing important habitats for native species.

Challenges of Wilder Gardening

Plant selection: While native plants are important, non-native plants can also provide valuable resources for wildlife.
Intervention: Balancing human intervention and wildlife needs is crucial. Practices like leaving fallen leaves and creating log piles can benefit wildlife.
Tidiness: Wilder gardens may appear less organized than traditional gardens, but this “untidy” approach can actually enhance biodiversity.

How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

Plant diversely: Include a variety of native and non-native plants to extend the availability of pollen, nectar, and fruit.
Enhance habitats: Create nesting boxes, leave dead wood, and build wildlife ponds to provide shelter and breeding sites.
Reduce chemicals: Avoid using pesticides and herbicides to protect insects and other wildlife.
Embrace “untidiness”: Leave some areas of your garden undisturbed to provide cover and nesting sites for wildlife.

Conclusion

Wilder gardening can have a positive impact on wildlife populations by providing essential resources and habitats. By embracing diversity, reducing intervention, and allowing a bit of “untidiness,” gardeners can create gardens that are both beautiful and beneficial to the environment.

Gardening

The Best Flowers for Honeybees: A Comprehensive Guide for Gardeners

by Donna June 23, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

The Best Flowers for Honeybees: A Guide for Budding Gardeners

Honeybees are essential pollinators that play a vital role in our ecosystem. By planting the right flowers in your garden, you can attract these busy bees and help them thrive. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best flowering plants for honeybees, organized by bloom time and specific needs.

Spring Blooms: A Sweet Start for Honeybees

As honeybees emerge from their winter slumber, they eagerly seek out early sources of pollen and nectar. These spring-blooming flowers provide a much-needed boost:

Willows (Salix species): These trees produce abundant catkins that are a rich source of early nectar.
Hellebores: These shade-tolerant plants offer nectar and pollen from late winter to early spring.
Spring blossom trees (apples, peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, blackthorn, hawthorn): These trees provide a feast of pollen and nectar for honeybees.

Summer Blooms: A Buzzing Bonanza

As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, a wider variety of flowers burst into bloom, offering a smorgasbord of pollen and nectar for honeybees:

Sunflowers: These towering giants produce massive flower heads that are a magnet for honeybees.
Comfrey: This vigorous plant is not only a favorite of honeybees but also attracts other pollinators like bumblebees.
Catmint: Honeybees and other pollinators flock to the small but numerous blooms of catmint plants.
Michaelmas daisies (asters): These late-summer bloomers provide a rich source of pollen and nectar for honeybees.
Heathers (Calluna and Erica species): These compact plants offer small but highly rewarding flowers for bees.

Fall Blooms: A Sweet Farewell

As summer transitions into fall, honeybees continue to rely on flowers for sustenance. These late-blooming plants provide a final burst of pollen and nectar before winter:

Wallflowers: Honeybees love the easily accessible blooms of wallflowers, which can flower all year if deadheaded regularly.
Centaurea species: This genus includes a number of bee-friendly species, such as cornflowers, mountain cornflowers, and common knapweed.

Tips for Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden

Choose single flowers over double flowers: Double flowers often have extra petals that block access to pollen and nectar.
Plant a variety of flowers: This ensures a continuous supply of pollen and nectar throughout the year.
Include blue and purple flowers: Honeybees are particularly attracted to these colors.
Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can harm honeybees and other pollinators.
Provide water: Honeybees need access to water to stay hydrated.

By following these tips, you can create a vibrant and welcoming garden that supports honeybees and other pollinators. Remember, every flower you plant makes a difference in the lives of these essential creatures.

Gardening

Late-Summer Shrubs for Beauty and Wildlife | Easy-Care Plants for August Color

by Donna June 11, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Shrubs for a Beautiful August Garden

August is a great time to enjoy the beauty of shrubs in your garden. They provide structure, color, scent, and wildlife value, making them a valuable addition to any landscape.

Evergreen Shrubs for Year-Round Interest

If you’re looking for an evergreen shrub that will add beauty to your garden all year round, consider common myrtle (Myrtus communis). This Mediterranean native has stunning, scented flowers and aromatic foliage.

Late-Blooming Beauties

For a burst of color in late summer, plant hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus). These shrubs come into leaf around June and bloom from July to August. They’re easy to grow and come in a variety of colors, including ‘Woodbridge’ (blue), ‘Blue Bird’ (lilac), and ‘Lilac Queen’ (lilac with rust centers).

Mediterranean Charm

Cotton lavender (Santolina) is another great choice for a late-summer blooming shrub. It has gray-green foliage and produces yellow flowers from July to August. Plant it in a hot, sunny spot for best results.

Classic and Fragrant: Roses

Roses are a classic choice for any garden, and there are many varieties that bloom in August. Deadheading (removing spent blooms) will encourage more flowers.

Pollinator Paradise: Bluebeard

Also known as Caryopteris, bluebeard is an attractive and well-behaved shrub that blooms in late summer and August. Its blue flowers and silvery foliage make it a standout in the garden, and it’s a favorite of bees and butterflies.

Planting and Care Tips

While summer is not the ideal time to plant shrubs, you can do so in late autumn to mid-spring. Choose a spot with well-drained soil and water regularly, especially during dry periods. Prune shrubs after they bloom to maintain their shape and encourage new growth.

With these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of shrubs in your garden all season long!

Gardening

Creating a Meadow Garden: Is It Worth the Effort? | Pros, Cons, and Tips

by Gregory June 8, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

Is Creating a Meadow Garden Worth the Effort?

Introduction

Meadow gardens have become increasingly popular, adorning cities, parks, and even private gardens. However, creating a meadow can be a challenging task. Is it really worth the effort? This article explores the pros and cons of creating a meadow garden, providing tips and techniques to make the process easier.

What is a Meadow Garden?

A meadow garden is a grassy area filled with a variety of wildflowers. Meadows are often found in the countryside, but they can also be created in urban environments. Meadow gardens provide a haven for wildlife, attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects. They can also add beauty and diversity to any landscape.

The Pros of Creating a Meadow Garden

Beauty: Meadow gardens are visually stunning, with a vibrant mix of colors and textures.
Biodiversity: Meadows support a wide variety of plant and animal life, including pollinators, birds, and butterflies.
Long-flowering: Meadow plants bloom for extended periods, providing a continuous display of color throughout the growing season.
Low maintenance: Once established, meadows require minimal maintenance, making them a great option for busy gardeners.

The Cons of Creating a Meadow Garden

Hard work: Creating a meadow garden can be a lot of work, especially in the beginning.
Challenging: Establishing a meadow requires careful planning and execution, and there is no guarantee of success.
Weeds: Meadows can be susceptible to weeds, which can quickly overtake the wildflowers.

How to Create a Meadow Garden

Creating a meadow garden can be done in several ways:

Native Meadow

Stripping turf: Remove the existing grass to create a bare patch of soil.
Introducing meadow species: Sow a mix of native grass and broadleaf flowering species, such as yellow rattle.
Reducing fertility: Reduce soil fertility to suppress grass growth and allow wildflowers to thrive.

Annual Meadow

Sowing annuals: Sow a mix of non-native annual wildflowers, such as California poppy or Bishop’s weed, into ordinary garden soil.
Blooming quickly: These plants will bloom within 90-100 days.

Feral Lawn

Allowing grass to grow: Stop cutting a section of your lawn and let the grass grow to its natural height.
Planting broadleaf species: Plant broadleaf perennial species, such as Geranium arvensis or Lysimachia punctata, into the long sward.
Competing with grass: These plants will compete with the grass and create a biodiverse meadow.

Tips for Success

Choose the right location: Meadows need full sun and well-drained soil.
Prepare the soil: Remove weeds and till the soil to a fine tilth.
Sow the seeds: Sow the seeds evenly and lightly rake them into the soil.
Water regularly: Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Be patient: It can take several years for a meadow to fully establish.

Conclusion

Creating a meadow garden can be a rewarding experience. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before getting started. With proper planning and care, a meadow garden can provide years of beauty and enjoyment. So, is creating a meadow garden worth the effort? For many gardeners, the answer is a resounding yes!

Butterflies

Red Admiral Butterfly: A Guide for Young Nature Enthusiasts

by Gregory June 5, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Red Admiral Butterfly: A Guide for Young Nature Enthusiasts

Introduction

The red admiral butterfly is a beautiful and fascinating creature that can be found in gardens all across the world. These butterflies are known for their distinctive black and red wings, and they play an important role in the ecosystem by pollinating flowers.

Physical Characteristics

Red admiral butterflies are large butterflies, with a wingspan of up to 2 inches. Their wings are black with red bands and white spots along the tips of their forewings. They also have blue markings at the base of their hindwings.

Life Cycle

Red admiral butterflies go through a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Egg: The female butterfly lays her eggs singly on the leaves of plants, such as nettles, hops, and pellitory of the wall.
Larva: The eggs hatch into larvae, which are also known as caterpillars. The caterpillars are green with a black stripe down their backs. They feed on the leaves of the plant on which they were laid.
Pupa: When the caterpillar is fully grown, it spins a silken cocoon around itself and pupates. Inside the cocoon, the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
Adult: The adult butterfly emerges from the cocoon and begins to feed on nectar from flowers.

Habitat and Distribution

Red admiral butterflies are found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fields, and woodlands. They are most commonly found in areas with plenty of flowers to feed on.

Red admiral butterflies are migratory butterflies, which means that they travel long distances to find food and breeding grounds. In North America, red admiral butterflies migrate south for the winter and return north in the spring.

Importance

Red admiral butterflies are important pollinators, which means that they help to transfer pollen from one flower to another. This helps plants to reproduce.

Red admiral butterflies are also a food source for other animals, such as birds and spiders.

How to Help Red Admiral Butterflies

There are a number of things that you can do to help red admiral butterflies:

Grow nectar-rich flowers in your garden. Some good choices include lavender, buddleia, and sunflowers.
Leave windfall fruit on the ground. Red admiral butterflies will feed on the fruit.
Grow nettles in your garden. Nettles are the host plant for red admiral caterpillars.
Avoid using pesticides in your garden. Pesticides can kill butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Conclusion

Red admiral butterflies are beautiful and important creatures. By following the tips above, you can help to ensure that these butterflies continue to thrive in your area.

Wildlife Gardening

Wildlife Gardening in August: A Guide to Attracting Birds, Bees, and Other Beneficial Creatures

by Gregory June 4, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Wildlife Gardening in August

Making Your Garden a Wildlife Magnet

August is a great time to make your garden a haven for wildlife. Many birds, bees, and butterflies are actively looking for food and shelter. By providing them with what they need, you can create a beautiful and vibrant outdoor space that’s also good for the environment.

Plants for Wildlife

Some of the best plants for attracting wildlife in August are those that bloom late in the summer, such as sunflowers, dahlias, and honeysuckle. These flowers provide nectar and pollen for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

You can also plant wildflowers, such as zinnias and cosmos, to attract hummingbirds and other small birds.

Creating Habitats

In addition to planting flowers, you can also create other habitats for wildlife in your garden. For example, you can build a birdhouse or bat box, or create a pile of logs or rocks for insects and reptiles to hide in.

You can also leave some areas of your lawn uncut to provide shelter for small mammals and insects.

Feeding Wildlife

During the late summer, many birds are preparing for their annual migration. Providing them with high-protein foods, such as sunflower seeds and mealworms, can help them build up their energy reserves.

You can also put out water dishes for birds and other animals to drink and bathe in.

Attracting Beetles

Beetles are often overlooked, but they are important pollinators and play a vital role in the ecosystem. You can attract beetles to your garden by creating mini-habitats, such as dead log piles, and avoiding the use of pesticides.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can create a wildlife-friendly garden that is both beautiful and beneficial for the environment. So get started today and enjoy the rewards of sharing your garden with nature!

Gardening

Wildlife Gardening in July: Attract Pollinators, Caterpillars, and More

by Gregory May 29, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Wildlife Gardening in July

Attract Pollinators and Caterpillars

July is a great time to attract pollinators and caterpillars to your garden. Flowering plants provide nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, while leaves offer a meal for caterpillars. This is an essential part of the garden food chain.

Plants for Pollinators

Some of the best plants for pollinators include:

Lavender
Sunflowers
Honeysuckle
Buddleia
Herbs (such as chives, oregano, and thyme)

Plants for Caterpillars

Many butterflies start their lives as caterpillars, and many of the most colorful butterfly species that visit your garden have caterpillars that feed on nettles. Growing a patch of nettles in a sunny part of the garden can attract a variety of species.

Other Wildlife-Friendly Plants

Other plants that can help wildlife include:

Roses (for leafcutter bees)
Hairy-leaved plants like lambs’ ear and red campion (for wool carder bees)

Creating a Wildlife Haven

To create a haven for wildlife in your garden, consider the following tips:

Plant a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Leave some flowers to seed to provide food for birds.
Grow a patch of nettles to attract caterpillars.
Provide nesting material for bees and other insects.
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and wildlife-friendly garden that will be enjoyed by all.

Gardening

June Wildlife Gardening: How to Attract Wildlife to Your Garden with Plants, Habitats, and More

by Gregory May 28, 2024

written by Gregory 4 minutes read

June Wildlife Gardening: A Guide to Attracting Wildlife to Your Garden

Introduction

June is a great time to enjoy the beauty of nature and attract wildlife to your garden. With the long days and warm weather, there are plenty of opportunities to see and hear wildlife, from buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies to singing birds and graceful dragonflies.

Plants for Wildlife

One of the best ways to attract wildlife to your garden is to plant a variety of plants that provide food and shelter. Some great choices for June include:

Cosmos: These cheerful flowers are a favorite of bees and butterflies, providing nectar and pollen.
Zinnias: Zinnias are another popular choice for pollinators, and they come in a wide range of colors.
Snapdragons: Snapdragons are a good choice for attracting long-tongued bumblebees.
Roses: Many types of roses are excellent for pollinators, providing easily accessible nectar and pollen.
Herbs: Herbs such as marjoram, mint, sage, and thyme are all attractive to pollinators and other wildlife.

Feeding Wildlife

In addition to planting the right plants, you can also provide food for wildlife in other ways.

Supplementary foods: Mealworms and sunflower seeds are good sources of energy for busy parent birds.
Water: Make sure birds and other animals have access to clean, fresh water.

Creating and Maintaining Habitats

Providing wildlife with a variety of habitats is essential for attracting and supporting a diverse range of species.

Wildlife ponds: Ponds are a great resource for many aquatic and land animals.
Long grass: Allowing grass to grow long around the edges of your pond or in other areas of your garden provides shelter for young animals.
Rock piles: Rock piles provide shelter for amphibians and other small animals.
Dense shrubs: Dense shrubs give birds cover when they come down to drink or bathe.

Look Out For… Dragonflies

Dragonflies are one of the highlights of a wildlife pond. To attract these graceful aerial hunters, create a pond with a variety of features, including:

Floating plants: Floating plants provide shelter for dragonfly larvae.
Emergent vegetation: Emergent vegetation gives dragonfly nymphs something to climb up before shedding their skins.
Stones and plants: Stones and plants around the edge of the pond provide places for adult dragonflies to bask.

Growing Greener

When planning your garden, consider the environmental impact of your choices.

Permeable surfaces: Permeable surfaces, such as gravel or grass sown through a reinforcement grid system, allow water to drain through, reducing the risk of flooding and creating a more sustainable landscape.
Planting through gravel or permeable paving: You can plant through gravel or in spaces between permeable paving with low-growing plants such as thyme and chamomile.
Hedges and climbers: Adding hedges and planting climbers up fences adds texture and color to your garden, while also providing valuable habitats for wildlife.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can create a garden that is a haven for wildlife. From providing food and shelter to creating a variety of habitats, there are many ways to attract and support wildlife in your own backyard.

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