GREENWOOD
Nature and the neighbourhood
Views of the Nature Area 1
Posted on July 27, 2022
While flying insect pollinators are all a-buzz in the sunlight over the wild marjoram, there are still small quantities of yellow Ladies’ Bedstraw, Toadflax is beginning to open, as well as a few remaining Knapweeds available for nectar gathering. Many of the flowers on taller stemmed plants from a month ago are developing seeds now.
Hedgerow Bryony Berries
Posted on October 1, 2021
I love the way that bright juicy Bryony berries are festooning the hedgerows. I am not certain whether they are White Bryony (Bryonia dioica) or Black Bryony (Tamus communis) because the leaves have mostly shrivelled away. I tend to think these are Black bryony from what is left of the foliage. I particularly like it when the fruit is carried on the looping strands of the dying vines so that they look like necklaces or fairy lights in the hedges.
Hedgerow Ivy Flowers
Posted on September 20, 2021
One of the most abundant sources of nectar and pollen at the moment – when most of our common wild flowering plants are already producing seeds, berries, and nuts – ivy is in full flower attracting clouds of bees, hover flies, and other winged pollinators.
Attracting Bees
Posted on April 17, 2021
There are lots of ways that you can encourage bumble bees to thrive. All our British pollinating insects seem to be in decline, especially the bees which are so important for ensuring the fertilisation of all our fruit, vegetable, and cereal crops.
One way to attract bumble bees is by planting the right flowers and paying attention to the kinds of places that they like to nest. The new Great Sunflower Project which is discussed on the Science Friday site gives some hints and tips on what you can do, no matter whether you have a garden, a small patch of ground, window box or outdoor planters. You can listen to a podcast [or I can let you read a transcript of the conversation if you are one of my neighbours in Greenwood House – let me know].
GREENWOOD 