I'm a real wimp when it comes to killing things. Some gardeners talk with relish about squashing bugs and salting slugs but I can't do it. I once found a spider covered in varnish on my newly painted windowsill - I realised he faced an awful death if the varnish set and he was encased inside. The kindest thing to do was squash him. Instead I knocked him to the ground and threw water over him in an attempt to wash him clean. He was swept away and probably drowned!
The first time I spotted a Lily Beetle I was enthralled by its colour. I had never seen a more beautiful bug. I had absolutely no idea how much damage it was going to cause. I know now but I still can't kill them. They are collected up and taken on a short walk to the field. They don't eat corn so they probably fly straight back to my lilies once I've gone inside.
Another attractive unwelcome visitor is the Harlequin Ladybird. Farmers in Europe imported them from Asia as natural predators of aphids. They were VERY effective at reducing the aphid population but they ate lots of other insects too - including other ladybirds! According to Bill Oddie they are totally out of control and come in at number 7 the
Top 10 of Alien Invaders to Britain.
So what else have we been up to? There is a 40 acre Wild Flower Farm near us -
Naturescape - it is lovely to wander round this time of year. Flowers and insects abound; the pond is patrolled by beautiful dragonflies; the café supplies tea and cake and, best of all, they sell plants.
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| Broad Bodied Chaser |
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| Broad Bodied Chaser |
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| Common Darter |
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| Broad Bodied Chaser |
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| Four Spotted Chaser |
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