You don't need to be a revolutionary to take a stand against climate change and plastic use. There are plenty of easy changes we can all make
F or proof that gardeners cultivate those strictly in touch with nature, you need only look at the letters pages of horticultural magazines. Most readers are familiar with the decline of our wildlife and wildflowers, and the impact climate change is having on native species. There are winners and losers. The spotted wood butterfly does better because it produces more generations. However, the walled brown, once common in England, is now rarely seen as warm autumns have prompted late autumn hatching. As a result, colonies are restricted to cooler coastal areas. Intensive agriculture is another factor. Every inch of land has been used, fences removed, pastures and meadows ploughed. A regime of toxic chemicals often supports the crop and directly affects pollinators, amphibians, birds and small mammals.
Standard procedures
They say you reap what you sow and that was certainly the case here. Pesticide resistance is a real problem for farmers, and many farms have no ecosystem to rely on. Fortunately, some young farmers are abandoning pure monetary values in favor of bringing back sustainable agriculture with wildlife at the forefront. This is especially necessary as the National Biodiversity Network's 2019 Nature report (easily downloadable from the web) makes for tough reading. According to the report, 41% of our species are less common than they used to be. "Abundance and distribution of UK species have, on average, declined since 1970 and many metrics suggest this decline has continued in recent decades," it explains.
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Steps to creating a more eco-friendly garden
With growing evidence that piling on chemicals doesn't work, gardeners are picking up the baton and becoming environmental warriors in their own backyards. Since we are at the top of the food chain, it is in our best interest to do so. After all, if I offered you a glass of water with a blue metaldehyde slug pellet floating on top or asked you to inhale an aerosol containing herbicide, I doubt you would do it.
Even if you're already eco-friendly, there's more to do. Here's how to stay greener for years to come...
1. Valerian
The long tubular flowers of Centranthus ruber and C. legocii attract hummingbird hawk moths and butterflies. These plants bloom from May and if dead, continue till October. Don't cut anything back in late June to pick late bloomers.
2. Hybrid Hellephorus (Helphorus x hybridus)
An excellent winter-to-spring nectar source for early-flying bumblebees and solitary bees (solitary bees are more bee-friendly). Rugged flowers resist winter weather. Plant them near deciduous shrubs.
These 7 hotel gardens are very beautiful
3. Tagets patula
Tall (up to 2ft/60cm) single varieties of French marigold attract insects, especially hoverflies. These beneficial insects lay their eggs near aphid colonies, and the resulting worm-like larvae eat the aphids.
4. Symphytum x Aplanticum 'Boking 14'
This sterile comfrey has nectar-rich flowers that don't produce troublesome seedlings and, like many in the borage family, are constantly replenished with nectar. A good accelerator for compost piles; Comfrey is perfect for making tea.
5. Mollus domestica
There are many reasons to plant an apple tree the flowers are very attractive to bees; You can eat fruit, save food miles; Windfalls support birds; You can attract 93 types of insects. There are even options suitable for containers.
6. Centaurea cyanus
The tall blue forms of this British cornfield are excellent plants for attracting red-tailed bees (Bompus lapidarius). Cornflower seeds are initially sown in trays, punched and potted; Prop for more flowers.
7. Hedera helix
English ivy has an adult arborescent stage of woody growth that bears flowers in late fall. On clement days these retain wasps, flies and bees, while late berries are good for birds. Best at Wild Edge.
8. Crataegus monogyna
Common hawthorn provides fruit and nesting sites for birds, and flowers for pollinators. It bests native oak (with 284), willow (266) and birch (229), which attract only 149 species of insects.
9. Buddleja davidii
A great plant for British butterflies - even though it actually comes from China! In theory, its nectar can attract 22 different species. For best results, grow in open, sunny conditions.
How to Create a Beautiful Garden with Edible Plants
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