We have no less than nine buddleia of various sorts growing in the garden, planted specifically for the insects and, particularly, the butterflies - so it was very gratifying yesterday to see the sun out almost all day, light winds, and a temperature which soared to 24C, with the result that the butterflies came out in force. On one buddleia shrub alone I counter nine peacocks and three red admirals.
So we had plenty of butterflies but the number of species was limited to just four - one of the whites, the red admirals, the peacocks, and a couple of tortoiseshells.
We also have about ten verbena bonariensis in flower, some over 6' tall, two lavenders in exuberant flower, and....
....three clumps of michaelmas daisies just coming into full bloom, all these along with many other flowering plants, yet the number of insects they have managed to attract is worryingly small - a few bees, hardly any hover flies, no wasps....
I talk to people on my walks in the forestry and many have also noticed that the insects are really suffering, whether from the grey summer or for other reasons. So, while it's very disappointing that all the flowers we have grown for the insects are not being fully appreciated, my main feeling is of worry. Why?
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