To replace the Lavender bushes which had died in the front garden I ordered four Lavender Munstead which arrived Tuesday morning. These were soon planted out. If I am lucky they might flower a bit this year but should make a good show from next year and attract butterflies and bumble bees.. (top left photo below)
With the warmer weather recently there are several signs of the approaching Spring. The first of my miniature daffs are starting to flower (bottom left). My narrow raised bed has some colour from the Pansies plus bulbs are shooting from the eleven clumps I transferred some time ago (top right) Finally there are lots of seven spot ladybirds emerging to take advantage of the Sun's warmth.
While I was out in the garden on what turned out to be a pleasant sunny day I thought I would get round to clearing the dead leaves from under the Corkscrew Hazel bush.
As well as noticing that the catkins are now expanding there were dozens and dozens of Ladybirds emerging from the dead leaves under the bush. Seems like it was a good job I didn't get round to tidying up before the Winter. In fact I only cleared a small patch and left the rest of the leaves so the Ladybirds still have somewhere to hide during the colder nights. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
Just goes to show how careful one has to be clearing up. Best to leave the leaves.
ReplyDeleteI've found too that lavender is a brilliant plant for bees and butterflies - and it's impossible to resist the temptation to pinch a leaf and smell the scent when you pass. My corkscrew hazel is in full bloom now, after yesterday's mini-heatwave - they're at their best at this time of year, aren't they? They have have an oriental look - straight from a willow pattern plate...
ReplyDeleteLovely to see the daffs out now. My miniatures are all blooming too.
ReplyDeleteI have photographed an Emirates airliner flying over when I was at Titchwell, probably the same route John.
ReplyDeleteLovely signs of Spring there, John. It may be a good excuse but I think it was an excellent decision not to disturb some of the leaves. I think so much of our wildlife suffers these days due to 'fashionable' manicured gardens.
ReplyDeleteYour Corkscrew Hazel looks like it is doing well.
Seems a good idea Adrian.
ReplyDeletePhil. The new plants are a smaller variety than those I used last time but even handling them when planting they gave the most gorgeous odour.
ReplyDeleteI love the random shape of the bare branches on the Corkscrew Hazel.
Mine had just started to open yesterday Keith and today lots are now flowering.
ReplyDeleteIt was travelling in that sort of direction Roy. I wonder where it started. I think the nearest, Kirmington (Humberside), may be too small for that size of aircraft and Emirates is not listed there.
ReplyDeleteFar too many 'antiseptic' gardens about Jan. Wildlife has to look hard to find suitable habitat sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI think the Hazel has been growing about 12 years now so should be near full size.
Ahh Spring is coming.
ReplyDeleteMe in Minnesota