SOME worrying news has been released this week – a very low number of butterflies have been spotted so far in the annual Big Butterfly Count.
People taking part are seeing just over half the number of butterflies they spotted this time last year – and it is the lowest number recorded for 14 years, the Butterfly Conservation charity said.
It’s not just the climate that’s a problem, with 80% of butterfly species declining in the UK since the 1970s, mainly due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change.
Dr. Dan Hoare, Director of Conservation at Butterfly Conservationn, said: “The lack of butterflies this year is a warning sign for us all. Nature is sounding the alarm and we must listen.
“Butterflies are a key indicator species. When they’re in trouble, we know the broader environment is in trouble too.”
To make your garden more butterfly-friendly, Sean McMenemy, passionate nature expert and founder of Ark Wildliferecommends adding irresistible plants rich in nectar – such as Nasturtium, Buddleia, French Marigold, Lavender, Verbena and Marjoram.
B&Q is selling nasturtium seeds for £1.49 at the moment. Or you can get three plug plants for £8.99.
Sean said: “When in doubt, remember that butterflies are naturally attracted to certain colors. Opt for bright purples, pinks, reds, and oranges for the best chance of catching their attention.
“These sugar addicts also love to indulge in fruit, so if you have a fruit tree with fallen plums, apples or pears, why not leave them for the butterflies to enjoy?”
He also recommended banning pesticides and encouraging “mud puddling” – the mixture of soil and water provides butterflies with essential nutrients and minerals that they cannot obtain from plants.
Simply mix some soil with water in a shallow dish, place it in a location that receives a good mix of direct sunlight and shade, and keep it filled with water.
And Sean also considers creating sunny spots and corners, as butterflies love the heat.
O RHS They say planting caterpillar-friendly plants such as holly, ivy, hops and willow will also help butterflies breed in gardens.
Nasturtiums are a great addition to any outdoor space—and not just because butterflies and caterpillars love them.
Peaking now – you can start collecting seeds for next year’s sowing. They are full of surprises – not only do they thrive in trash soil, but they can also eat flowers, leaves and seeds.
The petals are especially good for adding to salads. And they make fabulous companion plants for growing vegetables.
Caterpillars of small and large white butterflies feed on the leaves instead of brassicas – and attract the black fly – releasing their broad beans and broad beans.
They need at least six hours of sun a day – and look great spilling over the edges of pots.
While traditional reds, yellow and orange are great – keep an eye out for ‘Black Velvet’, ‘Cherry Rose Jewel’ and ‘Gleam Salmon’ to shake things up a bit.
The Great Butterfly Count ends tomorrow (August 4). To participate, download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit www.bigbutterflycount.org
Also in Verônica’s column this week…
Top gardening tips, competitions and news
NEWS! Did you know that Kew Gardens offers £1 tickets to recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other legacy benefits?
Due to the success of the scheme, the offer has now been extended to asylum seekers with an Application Registration Card (ARC), and £1 ticket buyers can now also bring up to four additional guests to Kew Gardens for just £1 each . .
Children under four now go free – and there’s a £9 youth ticket available for 16-29 year olds.
Visit www.kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/tickets
NEWS! Daniel Myhill’s new gold medal-winning persica ‘SEE YOU In Rosé’ rose is now available at Marshall’s Garden. £2 from every rose sold will be donated to Plant Heritage – to help conserve the garden’s plant diversity.
TO SAVE!! Just in time for (very late) summer, get £25.49 Hozelock oscillating sprinkler from Amazon, or Screwfix is selling a Titan version for £7.18
TO WIN!! There’s nothing like the joy a pressure washer can bring to your patio! And Wickes is offering one lucky reader £Power control pressure washer 205 Karcher K4. To enter fill this form. Or for more details, visit www.thesun.co.uk/KARCHERCOMP or write to Sun karcher Comp, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Include your name, age, email or phone number. UK residents aged 18+ only. Ends at 23:59 GMT 17.08.24 T&Cs apply.
THIS WEEK’S WORK! Get your wild arugula seeds and chard last chance for a fall harvest. You can prune lavender, but don’t go beyond the woody part.
BEST TIP! Start shearing or harvesting your raspberries and blackberries now if you haven’t already – to prevent them from being decimated by birds.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
