Let there be light

 I am trying to increase the plant interest of the hedgerow between the wildflower meadow and the woodland. To allow light in to the seedlings at the bottom of the hedge I am cutting the long grass that is blocking the light from reaching the developing plants. 

The front bar cutting mower allows a cut close to the hedge:

Once cut the grass needs to be dragged out from the hedge. The hay rake is ideal for t hi s:

Once dragged out the grass is rolled up using the rake, and then the pitchfork is ideal for picking up the roll to lug to the grass heap:

The end result is that the plants at the bottom of the hedge, such as Red campion, self heal and garlic mustard, get a chance to grow.

Going bats

Two bat boxes were occupied within about 6 weeks of being put up. One is south facing, the other west facing to get the evening sun.

Signs of occupation were so good that I had to put up a shelf to catch the bat droppings.

Such a good illustration of the benefit of making space for nature. Create the right environment and wildlife will take advantage of  it.

Summer nectar source

 Hemp agrimony seems to be a great nectar source now that there are no wildflowers in the meadow. There were 5 Red Admirals and lots of bumble bees feeding in this photo.

I have been growing some more Agrimony from last years seed and they are now outgrowing their pots.

So I have been planting them out in groups. Preparing the ground by either digging an area or using Roundup to decrease competition from coarse grasses.

It may be a bit soon to plant out as the ground was rock solid and I will have to carry water to keep them going through the rest of the summer. However, if I can keep them watered they will have a good long time to get established before winter.

I found this leopard slug under one of the pots.

Turning of the year

 Cutting the meadow is always a happy/sad time. Sad to see the departure of such a vibrant plant and insect community. Happy that we are literally sowing the seeds of next year’s explosion of life.