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doubt that it could be anything other than the western conifer seed-bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis. My nephew took the photograph, above, on his mobile, and although it is blurred, there is definitely no mistaking this distinctive and fascinating insect

, such as caterpillars and insects. My problem was that I suddenly didn't want to go anywhere near my beloved compost heaps.Feeling despondent, I asked my friend on the plot if she had any advice to give me. "I know it sounds strange" she said, "but you might have heard

more.All this is augmented with plants grown specifically to boost fertility of the soil (so obviating any need for fertilisers) and plants to encourage bees and other pollinating insects.One of the slight disadvantages is that, obviously, a forest

that soon lead to rotting.Now, I’m the first person to recommend leaving windfalls for wildlife. They’re usually bruised anyway, so why not let the birds eat them, and allow insects a taste of home-grown produce. Just take care when you’re around them

. On Sunday, our ivy was abuzz with bees, wasps, hoverflies and other insects, but when this fast-food source is gone, they will still need the most basic of their primary needs - shelter. Animals coming to 'visit' flowers, or bird tables, or fat balls, is all

tomatoes' flavour). Strong-smelling basil and flat-leafed parsley deter whitefly and, when in flower, coriander attracts beneficial insects.Most of these herbs prefer full sun, but they don't get that in my shady garden. And a bit of shade can be good

and enable the detergent to clean dishes/clothes. Surfactants, which are also present in some weedkillers, are very bad for amphibians.As for the wildlife, the insects are doing very well, but for how long if it stays dry? Nectar levels in plants

and size, I have to empty it regularly to aerate the contents so it breaks down quicker. Every time I do this a pile of semi-rotted waste ends up on the lawn and, within minutes, insects have flocked to the garden.Dung flies are the first to arrive

It’s life and death out there on the ivy at the moment. The far corner of our garden is a sheltered sun-trap, and the fence is now smothered in ivy flowers. The air is thick with the heavy scent of the blossoms, and the lazy buzzing of insects

 plants I like, plants I dislike, animals, insects, ponds, buildings, views and panoramas, and so on. In all, I have around 60,000 images.I think that 70 per cent of my photographs should be thrown away as they are not really good enough for anything. My