Similar Posts

  • May Beetle vs June Bug – What to do?

    The May Beetle, just spotted it on 31st May or tomorrow it would be the June Bug. This one was shaded from the sun under a leaf of the rose bush. It was eating away at the bush but not a real cause for concern. The Green Fly and Black Fly, and other diseases are much more damaging as they attack the new growth and damage the developing Rose flower head.

    How Do I get Rid of May Beetles?

    No need. Unless they are in such numbers as to cause real damage, just leave them be. They are harmless, do not bite or sting, nor carry any specific disease to worry about.

    May Beetle taxonomy

    The May Beetle is known as the Common Cockchafer in its native Europe. It is part of the family Scarabaeidae or Beetle family that contains more than 35,000 species, ofter referred to as Scarabs. Its scientific name is the Melolontha melolontha.

    Melolontha melolontha - May Bug - May beetle - doodlebug

  • Biodiversity being lost at an Alarming Rate

    Biodiversity expresses the richness of life on earth in all its complexity and order. It encompasses all types of life from the very basics to the most complex organisms. So how do we decide if biodiversity is healthy or in decline? 

    It seems one way to measure this is to check out your car number plate. We can do this using, The National citizen science survey of ‘bug splats’ on vehicle number plates to monitor flying insect abundance

    Anecdotally, I have noticed a decline in the gardens and woodlands around me. However, when there are lots of bugs in the air there seems to be a lot of just one sort at any one time. I suppose this will happen but doesn’t bode well for the future. Infestations, swarms and outright Biblical plagues may be to come. 

    Whatever, we need biodiversity and monitoring is essential to understanding where human behaviour is affecting it. Positively or negatively. 

    Holehird Gardens Walled Garden
  • Fremontodendron californicum – Yellow Flower Tree

    It is not often that I see a large yellow flower in a tree in my neck of the woods. So to see this Fremontodendron californicum or California flannelbush is a real surprise and treat. The leaves are there but quite sporadic giving the flowers plenty of room to shine. 

    California flannelbush,  Fremontodendron californicum, is a striking shrub or tree identified by its vibrant yellow flowers and unusual fuzzy foliage. It is very tolerant to dry spells and doesn’t need watering in summer once established. It prefers full sun with well drained soil on the acidic side.

    Fremontodendron californicum - California flannelbush
  • Field of Red Campion

    Travelling around the East of England you often come across a colourful field that takes your interest. It doesn’t look like any edible crop I know of. Then again crops are grown for all sorts of reasons. These are perhaps just being grown for their seeds. On the other hand there may be a use that goes beyond the wildflower seed industry. Of course these are commonly known as Red Campion and are found in many woodland and hedgerow settings at this time of year. The scientific name is Silene dioica, a member of the Caryopyllaceae or ‘pink’ family.

    Silene dioica - Red Campion - Field of Flowers
  • Manna Ash – Fraxinus ornus

    I came across an unusual tree that in the cold north wind was depositing fluffy chaff. Not recognising it, I used the Seek app to see what it was. Evidently it is called the Manna Ash, or Fraxinus ornus. Obviously the manna refers to the Biblical manna that the Israelis fed on in the wilderness. However, the link I made was from all the white chaff falling on me. Rather, the reason it is called the Manna Ash is more to do with the sweet sticky sap that comes from the bark. Anyway an interesting part of the Ash family.

    Fraxinus ornus - Manna Ash

  • Laburnum – Golden Rain Attracting the Bees

    It’s great to hear the Bees at work in the garden. The Laburnum tree is in full flower with its long trails of golden yellow flowers, a sight to behold. More important is the hum of the Bees busily collecting the pollen and pollinating the plants in the garden and surrounding area.

    The Laburnum, is a member of the Fabaceae family, also known a legume or peas and beans. However, it’s important to remember that all parts of the tree are poisonous, so due care is required.

    Any plant that can attract the Bees is so important because they will ensure our food supply as well as that of many other creatures. To learn more about Bees visit The Wildlife Trusts.

    Laburnum-close up with Bee