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.

Saponaria ocymoides – Colourful Rock Garden Plant

Saponaria ocymoides, commonly known as rock soapwort, basil soap-wort or tumbling Ted, has done well this year in the sunny, dry spring. These plants can keep on going for years without either flourishing or dying. Then one year they seem to excel as they find the climate and environment just right. That has happened this year with my Saponaria ocymoides. It has excelled in the sunny dry spring that we have recently experienced.

Saponaria ocymoides: Ideal for Rock Gardens or Gravel Gardens

Its low-growing nature makes it perfect for spreading out to fill in gaps between rocks while providing an colourful display of flowers and a healthy green foliage that look good against any stony ground cover. This perennial is not only hardy but also thrives in well-drained soils, making it a preferred plant for gardeners interested in creating a low-maintenance yet visually stunning landscape.

As we experience a change in the climate we may have to go from the lush green herbaceous borders to a more mediterranean style. Using rock and gravel to cover areas around the garden. Plants like Saponaria ocymoides will fit the bill perfectly for such a garden.

The plant typically blooms from late spring to early summer, showcasing clusters of pink flowers that can attract various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Its striking appearance combined with its ability to thrive in dry conditions makes it an excellent addition to any rock garden.

When selecting the right location for your Saponaria ocymoides, consider the amount of sunlight the area receives. This plant prefers full sun to partial shade, enjoying at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Additionally, ensure the soil is well-draining. While it tolerates poor soils, it does not thrive in overly wet conditions, which can lead to root rot. Amending the soil with sand or gravel can enhance drainage, making it more suitable for this resilient species.
Mayflower for May Day

May 1st opens with the flower that is often referred to as ‘May Blossom’ or simply, ‘May’. Found extensively in Europe the Common Hawthorn or Crataegus monogyna is part of the Rose family, Rosaceae.

Whilst the Hawthorn can grow into a tree of some 30+ feet, it is often used in hedges and trimmed annually to keep its size and shape. However, when allowed to grow into a row of trees, you get the wall of white blossom that looks so impressive. Hawthorne is good for the ecology providing for birds and insects alike.
Tamarisk – Tamarix tetrandra UK Garden Highlight

May brings out this early flowering Tamarisk – Tamarix tetrandra uk – in cascades of feathery pink blooms that brings beauty to any suitable garden. As a native of hotter and drier climates where arid land, including salty coastal areas prevail, it doesn’t seem like a plant suited for the UK. However, being so versatile it can grow well in a sunny, well drained spot, with natural defences against the heat, wind and salinity.

It is one of the many flowering shrubs that require pruning just after flowing as the following years flowers develop throughout the growing season. The shrub grows to it’s full potential of 2-4 meters over a couple of decades depending on how ideal the conditions are.
Dry Spring Takes its Toll – East Anglia UK

Normally I like to take photos that highlight the beauty of the vegetation around me. However, we are experiencing dry conditions that are bordering on the extreme. The trees are now in full leaf and whilst they can draw water from deep down, the surface has become very dry and hard packed. So the next problem, when it does rain it may well just run off and cause flooding rather than soaking into the land.

Gardeners are already being warned of hosepipe bans to come, sooner than later. Not good for the luscious herbaceous borders we all love. Yet, looking at the weather map, Southern Europe and North Africa are getting heavy rainfall. This is what the Met Office thinks.
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.
Calendula – Pot Marigold a Tenacious Sunny Bloom

Coming across a brightly coloured flower, standing out in a harsh stoney environment does bring a smile. This Calendula or Pot marigold, is a member of the Asteraceae family and has the typical daisy flower head. Native of southern Europe it now cultivated for gardens across the world and has uses other than its obvious ornamental value.

It has uses in the kitchen as parts are edible, such as the petals can be used in salads. It has uses in medicine as an anti-inflammatory and has skin healing properties. Compounds from Calendula can be found in cosmetics too, but can cause an allergic reaction.

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Saponaria ocymoides: Ideal for Rock Gardens or Gravel Gardens

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