I really cannot comment on nature without mentioning our garden, much of which has been planted with wildlife in mind. Getting the right balance and plantings has, however, been quite a learning process. What was commonplace to us in Sussex for well over 40 years often failed miserably here in Devon. There are at least four springs, a bog garden and areas of quite deep shade and only occasional well drained soils. This means that we have to concentrate on moisture and shade loving perennial plants for a large part of the garden, whilst continuing to experiment with plant types and combinations. Certain native plants such as Meadowsweet, Figwort, Fleabane, Purple Loosestrife, Ragged Robin and Sneezewort thrive in the wet areas whilst providing great nectar sources over a long period for insects and our bees. We, however, also want something more to really stand out in the wetter areas and we love our displays of astilbes and candelabra primulas, which provide an exceptional display of colour, and ferns harbour extremely rare micro moths such as Pachyrhabda steropodes whilst we regularly record rare Clifden Nonpareil moths.
A visit to Marwood Hill Gardens earlier this year allowed us to buy several varieties of astilbes from their national collection, and just two pots of candelabra primulas containing dense mats of seedlings has provided nearly 300 new plants.
There are now in excess of 500 varieties of plants, shrubs and trees in the garden. I am still learning about roses and aim to experiment next year – I had followed the expert pruning advice offered by David Austin Roses and only removed about a third of the growth last spring. The plants then got far too tall and so early next year I will prune much lower and see if that improves matters. There is also now a need to add more companion plants to the roses, which have put on some stunning displays this year.
I want to know more about my garden, particularly the wildlife that inhabits it. On a recent visit to Malaysia our bird guide used a thermal imaging device on our night walks, which opened up a completely new, and unexpected, experience.
In the meantime, there have been up to 9 juvenile Buzzards feeding in the recently ploughed field at the Colestocks end of the new path.
Paul Lister 851696
Pictures from Paul’s visit to Malaysia:
Buzzards Mountain Peacock
Silver Eared Mesia
Ferruginous Partridge
Great Hornbill Crested Fireback
