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Wildlife Gardening

Milkweed Bugs: Beneficial Insects for Gardeners | How to Coexist with Milkweed Bugs and Monarch Butterflies

by Donna May 15, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Milkweed Bugs: Beneficial Insects for Gardeners

Introduction

When you’re out exploring your garden, especially during the spring and summer months, you’re bound to encounter a variety of insects. Some of these insects may seem harmless, while others might make you want to reach for the bug spray. But before you do, it’s important to know which insects are beneficial and which ones are harmful to your garden.

One type of insect that you may come across is the milkweed bug. Milkweed bugs are often misunderstood, but they’re actually beneficial insects that can help your garden thrive.

What are Milkweed Bugs?

Milkweed bugs are medium-sized insects that feed exclusively on the seeds of milkweed plants. They come in two sizes:

Large milkweed bugs: Measure 1/3 to 3/4 inch (1-2 cm) long and have two black diamonds separated by a black bar across their backs.
Small milkweed bugs: Measure 1/3 to 1/2 inch (1 cm) long and have a large, red X-shape across their backs and two thick, segmented antennae.

Are Milkweed Bugs Bad for Gardens?

Despite their name, milkweed bugs are not harmful to gardens. In fact, they’re considered beneficial insects because they help to control the growth of milkweed plants. Milkweed can be invasive, but it’s also an important food source for monarch butterflies. By feeding on milkweed seeds, milkweed bugs help to keep milkweed plants in check and protect monarch butterfly populations.

Benefits of Milkweed Bugs for Gardeners

In addition to helping to control milkweed, milkweed bugs also provide other benefits for gardeners:

They attract birds: Milkweed bugs are a food source for many species of birds, including bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens.
They improve soil health: When milkweed bugs feed on milkweed seeds, they release nutrients into the soil that can benefit other plants.
They’re easy to identify: Milkweed bugs have distinctive red and black markings, making them easy to identify in the garden.

How to Coexist with Milkweed Bugs and Monarch Butterflies

If you want to attract monarch butterflies to your garden, it’s important to coexist with milkweed bugs. Here are a few tips:

Plant milkweed: The best way to attract milkweed bugs is to plant milkweed in your garden. Milkweed is the only plant that milkweed bugs feed on, so it’s essential for their survival.
Don’t use pesticides: Pesticides can kill milkweed bugs and other beneficial insects. If you’re concerned about pests, use natural pest control methods instead.
Be patient: It may take some time for milkweed bugs and monarch butterflies to establish themselves in your garden. Be patient and keep providing them with the resources they need.

Conclusion

Milkweed bugs are beneficial insects that can help your garden thrive. By understanding their role in the ecosystem, you can learn to coexist with them and enjoy the benefits they provide.

Gardening

Plant Trends for 2024: Support Wildlife, Make an Impact with Minimal Effort

by Donna May 13, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Plant Trends for 2024: Support Wildlife, Make an Impact

Introduction

In 2024, gardening trends are all about supporting wildlife and making a positive impact with minimal effort. Gardeners are looking for plants that are not only beautiful, but also beneficial to pollinators and other creatures.

Bold and Beautiful Blooms

One of the biggest trends for 2024 is bold, impactful flower heads. These flowers are often in old-fashioned blowsy blooms, with romantic shades of pink and purple. Some popular choices include:

Hydrangeas
Grandiflora roses
Frilly petunias

Native Plants for Pollinators

With climate change becoming increasingly unpredictable, it’s more important than ever to plant native species that support pollinating insects. These plants provide essential habitat and food for bees, butterflies, hoverflies, moths, and hummingbirds. Some excellent native plants for pollinators include:

Butterfly weed
Asters
Bluejoint grass

Multi-Task Plants

Another key trend for 2024 is multi-task plants. These plants not only look beautiful, but they also add color, structure, and have long flowering periods. Some great multi-task plants include:

Small-space vegetables
Compact buddleia
Colorful yarrow

Sustainable Gardening

Sustainability is another major focus for 2024 gardening trends. Gardeners are looking for ways to make their gardens more sustainable and lower-maintenance. This includes planting native species, using less water and fertilizer, and choosing plants that are resistant to pests and diseases.

Specific Plant Recommendations

Here are a few specific plant recommendations for 2024:

Hydrangeas: These shrubs are a must-have for 2024, with their large, showy flower heads in a variety of colors.
Grandiflora roses: These roses are a cross between hybrid tea roses and floribunda roses, giving them the best characteristics of both. They have large, fragrant blooms on long stems.
Frilly petunias: These petunias have ruffled, velvety petals that come in a range of colors. They are a great choice for adding a touch of whimsy to your garden.
Butterfly weed: This native plant is a favorite of Monarch butterflies, with its clusters of bright orange flowers.
Asters: These late-blooming perennials add a splash of color to the garden in fall, when most other plants are starting to fade.
Bluejoint grass: This native grass is a great choice for erosion control, and it provides habitat for birds and small mammals.

Conclusion

By following these trends, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and beneficial to wildlife. With a little planning and effort, you can make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying the beauty of nature.

Wildlife Gardening

Garden Wildlife in June: Tips for Attracting and Supporting Wildlife

by Gregory May 7, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Garden Wildlife in June

Wildlife Gardening Tips

June is a busy month for wildlife in the garden. Flowers are blooming, insects are buzzing, and birds are nesting. Here are some tips on how to attract and support wildlife in your garden:

Plant pollinator-friendly flowers: Cosmos, heleniums, and Verbena bonariensis are all great choices.
Leave water out for small mammals: Hedgehogs and other small mammals need water to drink, especially during dry spells.
Use gray water to keep plants hydrated: This will help keep your plants healthy and producing nectar for insects.
Take care when pruning and tidying: Check for eggs and larvae on the underside of leaves before composting.
Consider building a bee hotel: Leafcutter bees and red mason bees are important pollinators that can benefit from a bee hotel.

Wildlife Spotting in June

Keep an eye out for these wildlife sightings in June:

Leafcutter bees: Look for perfectly cut holes in rose leaves, wisteria leaves, or other “floppy-leaved” plants.
Green shield bug nymphs: These small, turtle-like bugs can be found on the underside of leaves.
House sparrows: House sparrows are still raising young, so you may see them feeding their chicks.
Hedgehogs: Female hedgehogs give birth in June. If you see a hedgehog out during the day, it’s likely a lactating female looking for food.
Rose chafers: These beautiful beetles can be seen feeding on roses and other flowers.

Helping Insects Complete Their Lifecycles

Insects play a vital role in the garden ecosystem. Here’s how you can help them complete their lifecycles:

Avoid using pesticides: Pesticides can harm insects, including beneficial insects like ladybugs and green shield bugs.
Provide nesting sites: Bee hotels, birdhouses, and hedgehog houses can provide shelter for wildlife.
Plant a variety of flowers: This will provide food and habitat for different types of insects.

By following these tips, you can create a wildlife-friendly garden that supports a diverse range of creatures.

Gardening

Create a Wildlife Oasis in Your Garden: A Beginner’s Guide to Wildlife Habitats

by Donna May 6, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Wildlife Habitats in Your Garden

What is a Habitat?

A habitat is a place where animals and plants live. It provides them with everything they need to survive, like food, water, shelter, and a place to raise their young.

Creating Wildlife Habitats in Your Garden

You can create wildlife habitats in your garden no matter how big or small it is. Here are some ideas:

Wildlife Pond: A pond provides a home for frogs, toads, dragonflies, and other aquatic creatures.
Hedgehog House: Hedgehogs need a place to hibernate in the winter. You can build them a house out of wood or cardboard.
Bird Box: Birds need a place to nest and raise their young. You can buy or build a bird box and put it in your garden.

Other Ways to Help Wildlife

In addition to creating habitats, there are other things you can do to help wildlife in your garden:

Plant native plants: Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife.
Avoid using pesticides and herbicides: These chemicals can harm wildlife.
Make your garden a safe place for birds: Keep cats indoors and put up bird feeders.
Provide water: Put out a shallow dish of water for wildlife to drink from.

Benefits of Wildlife Habitats

Creating wildlife habitats in your garden has many benefits, including:

More wildlife: A garden with wildlife habitats will attract more animals and plants.
Natural pest control: Wildlife can help to control pests in your garden.
Educational opportunities: Watching wildlife can be a great way to learn about nature.
Sense of peace and tranquility: A garden filled with wildlife can be a peaceful and relaxing place to spend time.

Conclusion

Creating wildlife habitats in your garden is a great way to help wildlife and enjoy the benefits of nature. With a little effort, you can create a garden that is a haven for wildlife and a joy to behold.

Gardening

Native UK Plants for a Wildlife-Friendly Garden: A Guide to Creating a Haven for Wildlife

by Gregory May 4, 2024

written by Gregory 3 minutes read

Native UK Plants for a Wildlife-Friendly Garden

Introduction

Are you looking for ways to make your garden more wildlife-friendly? Planting native UK plants is a great way to attract pollinators, birds, and other wildlife to your backyard. Native plants are those that have evolved in the UK and are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. This means they are more likely to thrive in your garden and provide food and shelter for native wildlife.

Plant Combinations for Wildlife

There are many different ways to combine native plants to create a wildlife-friendly garden. Here are a few inspiring ideas:

Pollinator buffet: Combine red campion, yarrow, and cornflowers to create a nectar-rich buffet for pollinators. These plants bloom at different times of the year, so there will always be something in bloom to attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Wildlife hedge: Plant a variety of native shrubs and trees to create a wildlife hedge. This will provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, insects, mammals, and amphibians. Some good choices for a wildlife hedge include blackthorn, hazel, and hawthorn.
Coastal paradise: If you live near the coast, you can create a coastal garden with native plants that are adapted to the salty air and sandy soil. Sea kale and sea thrift are two good choices for a coastal garden.
Shade sanctuary: Create a shady spot in your garden with native plants that can tolerate low light conditions. Foxgloves, nettles, and cow parsley are all good choices for a shade garden.

Benefits of Native Plants

There are many benefits to planting native plants in your garden, including:

Support native wildlife: Native plants provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for native wildlife. This helps to support biodiversity and create a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
Low maintenance: Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, so they require less watering, fertilizing, and pesticides than non-native plants.
Beautiful: Native plants are often very beautiful, with a variety of flowers, foliage, and textures. They can add beauty to your garden while also providing benefits for wildlife.

How to Choose Native Plants

When choosing native plants for your garden, it is important to consider the following factors:

Your climate and soil conditions: Make sure to choose plants that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. This will help them to thrive in your garden.
The needs of your wildlife: Consider the types of wildlife you want to attract to your garden and choose plants that will provide them with the food and shelter they need.
Your personal preferences: Choose plants that you find beautiful and that fit your garden’s design.

Conclusion

Planting native UK plants is a great way to create a wildlife-friendly garden that is also beautiful and low maintenance. By following the tips in this article, you can choose the right plants for your garden and create a haven for wildlife.

Trees

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris): A Majestic Conifer for Nature Lovers | Benefits, Care, and Companion Plants

by Donna April 30, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris): A Majestic Conifer for Nature Lovers

Introduction

Scots pine, also known as Pinus sylvestris, is a tall and majestic conifer native to northern Europe. It’s the only pine tree that’s native to the UK, where it can be found in heathlands and the Scottish highlands.

Appearance

Scots pine trees have a distinctive appearance. They have:

Evergreen, needle-like leaves that are blue-green in color
Orange-brown bark that develops deep cracks and fissures over time
Male and female flowers that bloom on the same tree
Woody cones that are about 5cm long

Benefits

Scots pine trees offer many benefits, including:

Providing a habitat and food source for birds, insects, and butterflies
Attracting beneficial insects that can help control pests in your garden
Creating a beautiful and serene landscape

Care

Scots pine trees are relatively easy to care for. They prefer:

Full sun to partial shade
Well-drained soil
Regular watering, especially during dry spells

Varieties

There are many different varieties of Scots pine, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include:

‘Glauca’: A variety with blue-green foliage
‘Nana’: A dwarf variety that’s perfect for small gardens
‘Fastigiata’: A variety with a narrow, columnar shape

Companion Plants

Scots pine trees can be paired with a variety of companion plants, including:

Heather
Lavender
Rosemary
Thyme

These plants will help to create a beautiful and wildlife-friendly garden.

Conclusion

Scots pine is a beautiful and versatile conifer that’s perfect for any garden. It’s easy to care for and provides many benefits, including attracting wildlife and creating a serene landscape.

Wildlife Gardening

Common Lizards in Your Garden: How to Attract and Support Them

by Donna April 30, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Common Lizards in Your Garden

What are Common Lizards?

Common lizards are small reptiles that love to bask in the sun on walls and logs. They can be found in forests, grasslands, and even gardens. They’re usually green-brown with spots or stripes and can grow up to 6 inches long. Male lizards have bright yellow or orange undersides, while females have plain and paler bellies.

Unique Features of Common Lizards

Unlike most lizards, female common lizards give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. They can have up to 11 babies at a time! They also have a special ability to change color to match their surroundings.

Creating a Lizard-Friendly Garden

If you want to attract lizards to your garden, you can create the perfect habitat for them by:

Letting areas of grass grow long for shelter
Building a log pile or placing stones for hiding spots
Planting native plants like primroses and forget-me-nots to provide food

Importance of Common Lizards

Common lizards play an important role in the ecosystem by eating insects. They’re also a food source for other animals like birds and snakes. By supporting common lizards in your garden, you’re helping to create a healthy and balanced environment.

Fun Fact:

Common lizards are cold-blooded, which means they need to warm up in the sun before they can hunt for food.

Gardening with Wildlife

Bat Boxes for 7th Graders: A Guide to Attracting Bats to Your Garden

by Donna April 29, 2024

written by Donna 3 minutes read

Bat Boxes: A Guide for 7th Graders

What are Bat Boxes?

Bat boxes are like tiny houses for bats. They provide a safe and comfortable place for bats to rest and sleep during the day. Bats are nocturnal animals, which means they are active at night. During the day, they need a quiet and undisturbed place to roost.

Why are Bat Boxes Important?

Bats are important animals. They help to control pests by eating insects. They also pollinate plants. Bat populations are declining, so it is important to provide them with places to live.

How to Choose a Bat Box

There are many different types of bat boxes available. When choosing a bat box, look for one that is:

Made from durable materials, such as wood or concrete
Well-insulated to keep bats warm in the winter and cool in the summer
Has a rough interior so that bats can cling to it
Has a narrow entrance that is only accessible to bats

Where to Place a Bat Box

The best place to put a bat box is in a sunny spot that is at least 4 meters above the ground. Avoid placing bat boxes near lights or other sources of disturbance.

How to Attract Bats to Your Garden

In addition to providing a bat box, there are other things you can do to attract bats to your garden.

Plant pollinator-friendly plants, such as evening primrose and honeysuckle.
Leave a patch of grass to grow long.
Create a small water feature.
Build a compost heap.
Keep your garden lighting low or use hoods to avoid disorienting bats.

Different Types of Bat Boxes

There are many different types of bat boxes available, including:

Wooden bat boxes
Woodcrete bat boxes
Ecostyrocrete bat boxes
Plastic bat boxes

Each type of bat box has its own advantages and disadvantages. Wooden bat boxes are the most common type, but they are not as durable as woodcrete or ecostyrocrete bat boxes. Woodcrete bat boxes are made from a mixture of wood and concrete, which makes them very durable and long-lasting. Ecostyrocrete bat boxes are made from a mixture of recycled polystyrene and cement, which makes them lightweight and well-insulated. Plastic bat boxes are the least expensive type, but they are not as durable as wooden or woodcrete bat boxes.

Conclusion

Bat boxes are a great way to attract bats to your garden and help to support these important animals. By following the tips in this article, you can choose the right bat box for your needs and create a welcoming environment for bats.

Wildlife Gardening

Field Mice: Important Garden Wildlife | How to Help and Protect Them

by Donna April 28, 2024

written by Donna 2 minutes read

Field Mice: Important Garden Wildlife

What are Field Mice?

Field mice are small, brown rodents with big ears, big eyes, and long tails. They are the most common rodent in Britain and can be found in woodlands, grasslands, and even urban gardens.

What Do Field Mice Eat?

Field mice are omnivores and eat a variety of foods, including:

Seeds (including bird seed)
Plants
Caterpillars
Earthworms
Fruit
Fungi
Cat biscuits

They also cache food for later, so you may find piles of seed husks or plum stones in your shed or beneath a membrane you have laid down to suppress weeds.

Where Do Field Mice Live?

Field mice typically live in burrows underground. Their burrows may have several chambers and are used by several generations. They also build nests using leaves, moss, and grass.

How to Help Field Mice

Field mice are an important part of the food chain and provide food for animals like foxes, weasels, and owls. They also help bumblebees by providing them with nesting material.

To help field mice, you can:

Create an open compost heap or log pile where they can nest.
Let seedheads remain on plants so they have a source of food.
Provide windfall plums and cherries.
Relocate bird feeders away from your house to concentrate mice away from the home.

How to Keep Field Mice Out of Your House

Field mice typically live outside, but they may come into your home in inclement weather. To keep them out, you can:

Block entrance holes with wire wool and bricks.
Relocate bird feeders away from your house.
Keep your home clean and free of food debris.

Conclusion

Field mice are important garden wildlife that play a vital role in the ecosystem. By providing them with food and shelter, you can help these small creatures thrive.

Gardening with Native Plants

Growing Teasel: A Striking Biennial Wildflower for Your Garden

by Gregory April 23, 2024

written by Gregory 2 minutes read

Teasel: A Striking Biennial Wildflower

Introduction

Teasel is a beautiful and unique wildflower that adds architectural interest to any garden. It’s a biennial plant, meaning it completes its life cycle in two years. In its first year, teasel forms a rosette of leaves. In its second year, it produces tall, stately stems with distinctive conical flower heads covered in tiny purple blooms.

Growing Teasel

Teasel is easy to grow from seed. You can sow seeds in spring or autumn, directly where you want the plants to grow. Teasel prefers full sun or partial shade and can tolerate a variety of soil types.

Uses of Teasel

Teasel has a long history of use in cloth production. Its bristle tips were once used to “tease” out the nap of cloth. Today, teasel is popular for dried flower arrangements and children’s handicrafts. It’s also a valuable plant for wildlife, providing food and shelter for bees, butterflies, birds, and other insects.

Wildlife Benefits

Teasel is a magnet for wildlife. Its flowers attract pollinators, while its seeds are a favorite food of seed-eating birds, especially goldfinches. The leaves and stems of teasel are designed to hold rainwater, creating a micro-supply of water for wildlife.

Maintenance

Teasel requires very little maintenance. It’s not bothered by pests or diseases, and it self-seeds freely. However, you can thin out young plants to prevent overcrowding.

Conclusion

Teasel is a beautiful, easy-to-grow wildflower that adds beauty and wildlife value to any garden. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or an experienced pro, teasel is a great choice for your garden.

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