LIKE many other gardeners I have been getting the garden ready for winter, but at the same time reflecting on the spring and summer, just gone.
The one thing that stands out in my mind was the lack of butterflies. During the early spring I was delighted to see the first of the Brimstans to appear, but after that I would say the butterfly population in my garden was down by 70-80 per cent. Very few large and small Tortoiseshells. Painted Ladies were absent altogether as were the small brown jobbies such as Meadow Browns etc but there were one or two Peacock and Red Admirals.
Even the well loved butterfly bush (buddlea) failed to attract many. I'm hoping this is just a blip and things will return to normal next year, as a garden without butterflies lacks a little bit of extra enjoyment we gardeners look forward to. It will be interesting to hear if other gardeners have noticed the same.
MRS JUNE HAWLINS, Shakespeare Lane, Harvington.
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