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Weeds and Wildlife

Weeds and Wildlife

July 11, 2018
Weeds and Wildlife

Weeds and Wildlife

Ragwort – a new discovery for me – tries to grow all over the property, but is generally mown down before it puts its head too much above the soil line. But in June when I headed off to a wedding for a week one plant made a burst for freedom in the flower bed, and when I got back it looked so happy and splendid I left it – it’s so very dry there that I thought anything that made it alive deserved to stay. Once it was clear that it was a treasure of nectar for hover flies and bees it was impossible to rip it out, though by then it was towering over my frazzled and newly planted roses, peonies and night stock. Still, there it thrived. And today while passing I noticed it alive with brilliant caterpillars – more than 50. It’s the cinnabar moth caterpillar which lives (solely?) on ragwort. The parent managed to find the only plant anywhere in the garden, so there they are. I shall keep an eye on them and see what happens next. I’m feeling delighted I left it. Our desire for control and order can cause such chaos for wildlife.

Though saying that, it is coming out. I shall move it to the cutting patch, once it’s done and dusted for the summer. It makes it quite a battle to get through the front door with it leaning in front of the doorway. I shall look out for other young plants that can be left, as compensation.


B&B, gardening, gardens, wildlife
moths

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Abigail Norton Follow

A B&B in South Somerset. Slightly shabby as all the money was spent on beds. Eggs exceptionally good as hens maraud their way through veg patch regularly.

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somersetbed Abigail Norton @somersetbed ·
20 Jun

Swallows set up in the garage this year. Six chicks fledging today. What a treat to watch them #swallows #wildlife #somersetlife

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somersetbed Abigail Norton @somersetbed ·
5 Jun

Nina patriot song https://youtube.com/shorts/KMlcDTeZ8Tg?feature=share via @YouTube

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susie_dent Susie Dent @susie_dent ·
27 May

Please can we bring back 'yestermorn' for yesterday morning, 'overmorrow' for the day after tomorrow, and 'yestreen' for last night?

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somersetbed Abigail Norton @somersetbed ·
12 May

This morning I sat down to write a long long list of things that needed doing, and then I spent 20 minutes finding a photo for a friend’s contact image #efficiency #priorities #sodit

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somersetbed Abigail Norton @somersetbed ·
9 May

I do love a dishwasher #B&B

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