Wildflowers, bees, butterflies and garden projects.

Last autumn I decided to extend the woodland walk. My aim was for it to stretch the width of the garden. During November I removed the turf, covered it with newspaper, and piled leaf mould and garden compost on top, leaving the worms to do their work. Today I planted 30 foxglove along the woodland area. Mostly white, but also some of our native pink. I grew them from seed last year and they have come on well. I cannot wait to see them in bloom.

I have also added Brunnera. A true shade lover, and such pretty little blooms. Dicentra and ferns are also amongst the planting.
You may be surprised at this addition. Gunnera would not be everyones choice but I saw similar planting at Leeds Castle recently and I really liked it. My thought is that the Gunnera will tower above the woodland plants and shelter them. The Gunnera will get some protection from the trees that surround this area.
The lovely piece of wood you see in the photograph was given to me by my little Grandson Riley. He had found it in the wood at the bottom of his garden, and brought it home for me. Whilst I would not usually encourage the removal of such pieces from wild areas, it was such a sweet gesture and it will be well loved here.

As you walk along the new area wildflowers, ferns and arum italicum dominate.

The ferns have been moved from the copse, the arums are divisions and the wildflowers I have grown from seed. I am so pleased that little has been purchased for this area.

Early spring I decided to extend and add more wildflowers to the butterfly garden. Most of them I have grown from seed.......
I have planted dozens of wildflowers today.

Also cranesbill and cosmos, which you can see in this image.
Herb Robert, our native geranium, so very pretty.
Wild garlic. Takes me back to childhood and holidays in Cornwall.

My great grandmother's favourite wildflower, ragged robin. Did you know this charming native is in decline? How about planting some in your garden, lets keep our native wildflowers, good for us, good for wildlife. If you would like some seeds in the autumn, leave a comment and I will be more than happy to send you some.

Red Campion, a must for anyone who likes butterflies and moths. During the summer months I watch the moths feeding from them........the bats flying above hoping for a quick meal. The circle of life......

Forget me nots.....how could anyone forget them, delicate, pretty, somewhat invasive in my garden but hey I am not worried....they can travel as far as they like.

Of course, butterflies are the best addition to any garden. The brimstone has teased me for many years. Flitting across my garden, never stopping to say hello. But today she stayed, enjoying the red campion blooms but finally settling on sweet rocket allowing me to take a photograph.

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see her here. Did you know that Brimstone's can live for anything up to five years.
I also spotted a comma, peacock and blue today......happy butterfly days.