Yesterday was the perfect weather to be out on the allotment so I took full advantage of it and spent the whole day down there. As well as other plot holders getting on with jobs I soon discovered that I wasn't on my own...
Gardening organically it has always been my aim to create a space that produces as much fruit and veg as possible, looks beautiful but also that offers a chemical free safe haven for local wildlife. This is not a purely altruistic aim because most of the creatures that visit my plot also play an essential part in fighting pests and diseases.
Yesterday on the plot I saw frogs, plenty of lady birds, foxes (not them but their footprints so I know they've been there), bumble bees, birds a plenty and more newts than ever in our little pond. That means there's an awful lot of bug eating, rabbit scaring, ant nibbling and slug scoffing going on on the plot that can only make my job easier.
Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me yesterday to take a snap of any of these welcome visitors so I've used this picture of cowslips from my garden instead. They have been a wonderful sight for the last couple of weeks when I look out my kitchen window!
They are one of my favourites too! I'm going to try and save seed from them this year. Has anyone had any success doing this?
Posted by: Liz | May 19, 2009 at 12:07 PM
The cowslips are lovely.
I'm also trying to garden with nature in mind. I have just created a wildlife friendly border in my garden which incorporates a small pond. At the allotment I am using companion planting to attract beneficial insects onto the plot.
Posted by: Jo | May 13, 2009 at 03:27 PM
Beautiful photo, I love Primulas.
Posted by: Dan | May 12, 2009 at 01:46 AM