My efforts to make a more wildlife friendly garden are beginning to pay off this year. I transplanted this self-seeded yarrow into an area of waterlogged ground, just to provide a bit of cover. It thrived over the spring, producing lovely feathery leaves. The flowers took ages to come out, but now they are here in abundance, and a favourite with this gatekeeper butterfly, who's often found sunbathing there.
The corncockles also thrived in the poor soil. They are over a metre tall and smothered in flowers. A bit of research showed that they are on the critically endangered list in the wild, although these came from a pack of wildflower seeds. Apparently, they are also poisonous, so I have been treating them with caution.
.JPG)
A surprise addition to the garden was this common spotted orchid, growing in the wild patch among the fox-and-cubs.
.JPG)
In the warm weather, the birds have been enjoying the bird bath. The pigeons just sit in it, the blackbirds enjoy a vigorous splash, and the starlings arrive in packs and make a huge commotion.
Here's a crew enjoying a communal bath...
and the last one out making a dignified exit.
