 |
 |
|
Sparrows nested in the bay tree in the back garden for the first
time this year. Standing by the window in the kitchen, we
heard a screech, followed by a dull thud, as they landed on Satureja
and dead bay leaves. A sparrowhawk had taken one of the
sparrows from the tree. Nature red in tooth and claw!
Click on a picture to display as a larger picture
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
My companion when I am working in the garden, waiting for the grubs I disturb in the soil.
March 2010.
A very tame robin which sometimes comes nearly as close as 12 inches (30 cm)!
Click on a picture to display as a larger picture
|
|
|
Cephalaria gigantea |
Allium sphaerocephalon |
|
|
|
|
Echinops ritro
|
Aster novae-angliae 'Lye End Beauty'
|
|
The garden is visited by many bees from late spring,
through the summer to the autumn.
Click on a picture to display as a larger picture
|
 |
|
Blackbird feeding in Photinia davidiana 'Palette'
|
|
The Photinia davidiana 'Palette' in the front garden is now more than 10 feet (3m) tall.
In the summer it is a mass of white flowers which the bees enjoy.
In the winter it is a wonderful sight with its green, red and cream foliage and is covered in red berries.
In February 2007, in a sudden cold spell with 3-4 inches (8-10 cm) of snow,
up to 4 blackbirds at a time were busy feeding on the berries.
Our birds rely on natural foodstuffs in the garden and it is great to have such a beautiful shrub which we can enjoy,
but at the same time providing food for our feathered friends.
There are many small shrubs with berries, suitable for small gardens, which will serve this purpose.
|
|
|
|
|
|
A family of long tailed tits feeding in bronze fennel August 2005 while I worked in the greenhouse.
Long tailed tit families are regular visitors to the garden.
Click on a picture to display as a larger picture
|
|
|
|
A young thrush sitting on a pot of thyme, sheltered by a hyssop plant and waiting for its parent to feed it.
July 2005.
Thrushes are more efficient than blackbirds at dealing with slugs and snails and are very welcome in the garden!
Click on a picture to display as a larger picture
|
|
|
