by Floyd | Jan 1, 2020 | A Real Gardener
Let’s save our sacred ivy Ivy (Hedera helix) I’m often requested to remove the dreaded Ivy from walls and trees in customers’ gardens, their claim is always backed up, “My builder said that Ivy would ruin my wall” or “It’s going to kill...
by Floyd | Jan 1, 2020 | A Real Gardener
Magical lichen British soldiers lichen (Cladonia cristatella) Found this flowing lichen today on a walk in the Ellan valley growing with the moss on the moor. I was amazed I’ve never caught them in flower before, beautiful! Moss by Anna Wrigley I had never seen...
by Floyd | Dec 2, 2019 | A Real Gardener
Snowdrop magic Snowdrop (Galanthus) We are not the only ones drawn to the beautiful snowdrops hiding in the hedgerow. This hoverfly seeks much-needed nectar and pollen in the cold winter months as do many early insects. Hibernating insects, such as bumblebees and...
by Floyd | Dec 2, 2019 | A Real Gardener
Deadly spots Six-spot burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae) “The six-spot burnet is a medium-sized, day-flying moth, commonly found in grasslands, woodland rides and where the caterpillars feed on common bird’s-foot trefoil. The adults feed on the nectar of...
by Floyd | Nov 22, 2019 | A Real Gardener
Seed collecting Aquilegia vulgaris (common columbine) It’s an excellent time to collect seed now, while the weather is dry, I was given these beautiful columbines from ‘Bobs Flowers’ near Craven Arms. Bob Lewis, a friend and knowledgable nurseryman, collected the...
