Disturbing news was released this week: very few butterflies have been spotted so far during the annual Big Butterfly Count.
Participants see just over half the number of butterflies they spotted at this time last year, the lowest number in 14 years, according to the charity Butterfly Conservation.
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It’s not just the weather that’s a problem: since the 1970s, 80 percent of butterfly species in the UK have declined, mainly due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change.
Dr Dan Hoare, Director of Conservation at Butterfly protectionn, said: “The lack of butterflies this year is a warning sign for all of us. Nature is sounding the alarm and we must listen.
“Butterflies are an important indicator species. If they are in trouble, we know that the rest of the environment is in trouble too.”
To make your garden more butterfly-friendly, Sean McMenemy, passionate nature expert and founder of Ark wildlifeadvises adding irresistible, nectar-rich plants such as nasturtium, butterfly bush, marigold, lavender, verbena and marjoram.
B&Q currently sells nasturtium seeds for £1.49. Or you can buy three plug plants for £8.99.
Sean said, “If in doubt, remember that butterflies are naturally attracted to certain colors. Choose bright purples, pinks, reds, and oranges for the best chance of catching their attention.
“These sugar addicts also love to feast on fruit, so if you have a fruit tree with fallen plums, apples or pears, why not leave them there for butterflies to enjoy?”
He also recommended banning pesticides and encouraging mud puddles: the mix of soil and water provides butterflies with essential nutrients and minerals they cannot get from plants.
Mix some soil with water in a shallow dish, place it in a spot with a good mix of direct sunlight and shade, and make sure there is standing water in it at all times.
And Sean also thinks about creating sunny spots and corners, as butterflies love the warmth.
According to the RHS, planting plants that attract caterpillars, such as holly, ivy, elm hops and willows, will also encourage butterfly reproduction in gardens.
Nasturtiums are a great addition to any outdoor space, and not just because butterflies and caterpillars love them.
It’s almost time – you can collect their seeds for next year’s sowing. They are full of surprises – not only do they thrive on rotten soil, you can also eat the flowers, leaves and seeds.
The petals are especially nice to add to salads. AND they make great companion plants for growing vegetables.
Caterpillars of small and large white butterflies feed on the leaves instead of cabbages. They also attract black flies, which free your broad and runner beans.
They need at least six hours of sunlight per day and look beautiful hanging over the edge of the pot.
While the traditional red, yellow and orange colours are great, also check out ‘Black Velvet’, ‘Cherry Rose Jewel’ and ‘Gleam Salmon’ to spice things up a bit.
The Big Butterfly Count ends tomorrow (August 4). To participate, download the free Big Butterfly Count app or visit www.bigbutterflycount.org
Also in Veronica’s column this week…
Top tips, competitions and garden news
NEWS! Did you know that Kew Gardens offers £1 tickets to recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other legacy benefits?
Due to the success of the scheme, the offer has now been extended to asylum seekers with an Application Registration Card (ARC). Buyers of a £1 ticket can now also bring up to four additional guests to Kew Gardens for just £1 each.
Children under four years old enter for free. For young people aged 16 to 29 years old, a youth ticket of £9 is available.
Visit www.kew.org/kew-gardens/visit-kew-gardens/tickets
NEWS! The brand new, gold medal winning persica rose ‘SEE YOU In Rosé’ by Daniel Myhill is available now from Marshall’s Garden. £2 from every rose sold will be donated to Plant Heritage, to help preserve the diversity of garden plants.
TO RESCUE!! Just in time for (a very late) summer, grab a Hozelock oscillating sprinkler from £25.49 from Amazon, or Screwfix sells a Titan version for £7.18
TO WIN!! There’s nothing quite like the joy a pressure washer can bring to your patio! And Wickes is offering one lucky reader a Karcher K4 Power Control pressure washer worth £205. Fill in this form to enter form. Or for more information visit www.thesun.co.uk/KARCHERCOMP, or write to Sun karcher Comp, PO Box 3190, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8GP. Please include your name, age, email address or telephone number. Only for UK residents aged 18 and over. Ends 23.59GMT 17.08.24 Terms and conditions apply.
THIS WEEK’S TASK! Get your wild rocket seeds and last chance Swiss chard for a fall harvest. You can prune lavender, but don’t go past the woody part.
TOP TIP! If you haven’t already done so, start covering your raspberries and blackberries with membrane or netting now. This will prevent them from being eaten by birds.
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