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that work well in a formal planting scheme. The bed of French lavender at the front of the garden was abuzz with honeybees, while the early bumblebee, Bombus pratorum, gorged on cirsium at the rear. Other plants worthy of note included Centaurea montana

In the bright heat of this week's baking sunlight, a buzz of black and orange fur announces the arrival of what I think is one our cuddliest hoverflies. Merodon equestis is a large (12 - 15mm long), stout, bumblebee mimic, and although not quite

lifted, sorted and freecycled, I reminded myself of the end goal: a beautiful garden where my foxglove could flower, set seed and make baby foxgloves. I imagined a sea of digitalis in years to come, alive with the sound of unseen bumblebees delving deep

imported topsoil, then tried (and failed) to sow a lawn from seed.I watched the evolution of the plot from courtyard to garden as more and more creatures visited it - blue tits and great tits, a robin, blackbird, bumblebees, butterflies, moths, slugs

and dangerous prey, even the occasional heavy bumblebee.Not everything goes according to plan, though. As I watch a wasp becomes stuck against some sticky silk strands. It struggles, quite literally, for its life. The spider trots up to see what is disturbing

warning of ‘conservation concern’. These types of decline have already been seen in more obvious (and more newsworthy) insects, such as bumblebees, butterflies and moths.One thing is clear to me though - as the industrialisation of agriculture continues

southern lapwings (Vanellus chilensis) known affectionately as 'terro terro', due to their call. I was in my element counting and photographing different types of bumblebee and solitary wasp, and later was joined in the swimming pool by a couple of toads

bumblebees. With an ample supply of fruit blossom around, there is plenty of nectar and pollen for them to enjoy, and all are welcome.One good thing about growing a single 'Victoria' plum tree is that it’s self-fertile. Unlike many varieties of fruit, like

to eye.Whether you go out of your way to help wildlife in your garden or spend hours tending a perfectly manicured plot, you’re sharing your pride and joy with wild creatures. These could be a family of hedgehogs or bumblebees, frogs, earwigs, whatever

britishhedgehogs.org.uk for further information on how to help them.HedgehogsInsects readily hibernate in gardens. Bumblebees dig holes in the ground or rest in leaf litter, butterflies sleep in garages, sheds and between folds of curtains. Wasps, ladybirds