Archivos de Diario para diciembre 2021

domingo, 05 de diciembre de 2021

The Experiment

... was inspired by lockdown.

Decided I would just use the seeds I had saved, and random ancient packets and see what happens. Back to how I used to garden - no plan, no order, see what can grow and how many bugs I can entice into my little inner city patch. And if I can harvest some edibles - BONUS!

As per usual the brassicas attracted aphids, but the plethora of Ladybirds meant they were not an issue. This year the Ladybirds were unusually quick on the scene. There are so many of them that I have to check my clothes and camera before going inside to make sure no Ladybirds are hitching a ride! But the most exciting thing is that I have 3 resident Yellow-shouldered Ladybirds. Only once before (in 14 years) did one quickly pass through the garden. There has been a mating moment, so I'm hoping that will result in a permanent group.

Because there are so many insects, the resident skinks are mighty plump. The Spiders have multiple meals in their webs and the juvenile False Garden Mantids aren't bothering to hunt each other.

There's been fewer bees even though I'm growing a variety of flower types, shapes, colours, exotic and native. The weather has been fairly cool/wet for summer, which might impact how far they can travel. (?)

What have been the most popular plants?

  1. Frangipani for the broad stable leaves and good to hide under.
  2. Edible Asparagus fronds, bees have roosted on them, bees like the flowers, gets some aphids and hence ladybird - mantids and spiders of all sizes use it as a hunting ground
  3. Parsley flower heads - loved by all and a good hunting ground for predators,/li>
  4. Small yellow daisy (from the Woolworths giveaway a while back) - native bees and skippers love it - have saved its seeds
  5. Rosemary flowers - they are loved by Blue Banded Bees I'm waiting for it get flowering again.

Native plants/flowers? The European bees and Hoverflies are the only ones that even look at them. Go figure.

Publicado el domingo, 05 de diciembre de 2021 a las 04:56 AM por siene siene | 0 comentarios | Deja un comentario

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