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that there are so many UK travellers roaring over the continent. And it is no surprise to discover ‘new’ European mainland insects arriving back with them into Britain.The rosemary leaf beetle, Chrysolina americana, was first found in the UK in a Kitchen in Disley

and climbing beans to flower and set seed. Several herbs readily do this too, like coriander and parsley. As the picture (top left) shows, flowering coriander attracts many beneficial insects, like hoverflies, which feed on its pollen.In fact coriander often

only slept in a jungle once and was kept awake by noises and insects, so I lay there enjoying the sound of rain. The connected problem of very wet socks and damp bedding was less appealing. I have to say that I was quite pleased to get out of there

plants will attract a wide range of pollinating insects.Pinch out the growing tips of the plants to encourage bushy growth, then hang the finished basket in a sunny, sheltered site where you can enjoy its scent.May - JuneJune - September20 minutes

robins were collecting material but now just the one flies to and from the shed with insects to feed the other one, so Chris assumes the eggs have been laid and the female is brooding them (usually up to five). The eggs are normally incubated for around

round. Also, many attract bees, butterflies and other insects, providing a valuable resource for our native wildlife.Raise cut flowers from seed in small pots or modular trays during spring, and the cut-flower plants will be ready to plant out in May

through the summer. Start cutting flowers as soon as they show colour, so that they last longer indoors.Don't harvest all the flowers, as simple blooms provide pollen for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.Towards the end of summer, leave a few

Our towns and cities have become pocket-sized safari parks for insects, amphibians, small mammals and birds. In many parts of the UK, a number of amphibian species - such as frogs, toads and newts - are facing serious decline because of the loss

barrier. The adult insects only fly below this height. Make a box frame in lengths of timber big enough to surround your carrot bed or rows, and staple or pin horticultural fleece or polythene to it.AdamTo reduce the need for thinning, mix carrot seed

to make my own (very easy) bug box from off-cuts of wood, sticks and old canes. I watch the box for a few minutes every time I pass and the chances are some insect or other will be investigating. Some just shelter for a while, but for others it's a safe