Month: Sep 2020

Posted in nature

The Autumnal Equinox

Posted on by BITM

The first day of astronomical autumn arrived last Tuesday with the Autumnal Equinox. From the Latin ‘aequus’ (equal) and ‘nox’ (night) equinox refers to the equal length of daylight and nighttime hours, after which nights draw in.

The shortening of daylight leads to the reduction of photosynthesis in deciduous trees, a change in leaf colour and eventual leaf drop. This beautiful spectacle is one sign of phenological autumn, along with other ecological and biological signs such as bird migration.

Unlike the other autumnal timings (meteorological and astronomical) there is no set date for phenological autumn. Therefore dates can change each year as weather and the climate impacts on it. The timing of the phenological signs can even differ from decade to decade.

For more information on phenology and how it has changed over time, please see the BBC website.

Phenological changes are studied by scientists who analyse data recorded by citizen scientists on the Nature’s Calendar, via the Woodland Trust, (signs of Spring are also recorded this way).

As I compose this post, I am aware of the mist outside, it certainly feels like an autumn morning. The weather this coming weekend is due to be cold and wet, giving me the perfect opportunity to cosy up and input my collected data to Nature’s calendar.

Posted in nature

Garden Treasures

Posted on by BITM

It feels like spiderweb season, the time when they become more prevalent, has arrived. I often get a face full of web when I accidentally walk into hidden ones as I work.

The spider’s web I come across most often is created by the European garden spider (Araneus diadematus). Also called the Diadem spider, Garden cross spider or Crowned orb weaver, due to the pattern on their abdomen and large circular webs they weave.

Males are 9mm in length, smaller than females (which grow to 15mm). Colouration can vary from light to dark brown and even burnt orange.

They are often found in gardens but also inhabit woodlands and meadows. The large orb webs (up to 40cms diameter) become more noticeable at this time of year in strong sunlight, due to the position of the sun, especially when glistening with dew in the mornings.

Those spiders which have survived summer will be mature adults now and start mating when autumn arrives. Males pluck the threads of the female’s web before he approaches, so he isn’t mistaken for food. However this tactic isn’t 100% successful as they can still become prey, even after mating. In late autumn a pregnant female will lay her eggs and spend every second protecting them until she eventually dies. Any adult spider still alive by November will succumb to cold weather.

The young spiderlings will survive winter inside a protective egg sac made of silk, to hatch in May the following year. Repeating the process of feeding on insects caught in webs (after being given a paralysing bite and wrapped in silk for later). They may not be the nation’s favourite garden helpers but they reduce pests and therefore should be treasured just like Ladybirds.

I also learnt a new plant last week. Standing out like a jewel amongst the other perennials was the beautiful Bog sage (Salvia uliginosa).

A Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) visiting some Bog sage.

As it’s common name suggests this plant grows in damp areas. The one I saw was planted in a herbaceous border that used to be a pond which never completely dries out.

Originally from South American waterways (between Brazil to Argentina) this tall hardy perennial also requires a sunny position to survive. The beautiful blue flowers, loved by bees, bloom between August and October so this plant is a wonderful addition to gardens for extending the pollinating season.

Posted in nature

“It’s a Bird!” “It’s a Plane!” “It’s a Superperb Moth!”

Posted on by BITM

Last week I began hearing the male Tawny owls (Strix aluco) territorial call as I fell asleep and again when I awoke. Usually this starts from late autumn and continues throughout winter (see BTO). Whatever the reason for him asserting his territory early, it was lovely to hear that sound return from last winter. Yet this wasn’t the only spectacle I noticed last week.

Last Wednesday, as I cut back spent Lavender, I became aware of something flying past me. I continued to watch until the insect stopped to gain nectar from some Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber); It was a Humming-bird Hawk-moth (Macroglossum stellatarum). As this was my first sighting of this superb moth, I found it impossible to maintain my composure as I hurriedly fumbled for my phone. Unfortunately it was too quick for me to photograph as it flitted between flowers, not resting as it fed. It did return momentarily but I was still unable to gain photographic evidence before it flew away once again. A visual guide can be seen on the Butterfly Conservation website. For further information on Red Valerian see the RHS website.

Apparently it is possible to hear it buzz as it flies, due to the quick movement of it’s wings; sadly all I could hear were builders working nearby.

Occasionally this daytime flying moth can be observed at other times of the year but traditionally it is seen between June and September. It usually migrates to the UK from the continent but in milder winters can overwinter in this country; in sheltered areas such as crevices, holes within trees and outbuildings.

It obtains nectar from a variety of plants in gardens, woodland edges as well as heathland on very warm sunny days. Along with the Red Valerian I noticed this one visit these moths can be seen amongst Honeysuckle (Lonicera), Jasmine (Jasminum), Buddleja, lilac (Syringa), Escallonia, Petunia and Phlox. While the caterpillars only feed on Wild Madder (Rubia peregrina) and Red Valerian along with Lady’s (Galium verum) and Hedge Bedstraw (Galium album).

Posted in nature

Pretty in Pink

Posted on by BITM

Some late summer flowering plants such as Lavender, Buddleia and Nepeta have begun to wane; however others were starting to look their best. One which started performing last week was Hylotelephium spectabile (‘Brilliant’ series), also referred to as Sedums, Stonecrop or Ice plants.

Loved by pollinators (especially bees) Sedum are great plants to grow in gardens to extend the nectar and pollen season.

These hardy perennials die back to ground level over winter; however until then the seedheads can be left for structural interest allowing hiding places for hibernating insects. They are succulents and therefore like well drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Once established they can cope with dry conditions, continuing to flower until November.

Mature plants can begin to flop, so to prevent this the Chelsea Chop can be carried out. This technique of cutting every stem by a third enables the plant to grow with a bushier habit as well as prolong the flowering period. It is called the Chelsea Chop because this job is done in the last week of May, when the RHS Chelsea flower show takes place. This technique can be used with other perennials that bloom later in the year too. Further information on this can be found on the RHS website.

These Sedums look wonderful in herbaceous borders alongside other fantastic pollinator plants which flower at this time of year.

Hylotelephium spectabile (‘Brilliant’ series) alongside Asters and Echinacea
Hylotelephium spectabile (‘Brilliant’ series) planted with Geranium ‘Rozanne’
and Ceratostigma willmottianum.
Geranium ‘Rozanne’
Ceratostigma willmottianum
Posted in nature

Unusual Trees for Suburban Gardens

Posted on by BITM

I’m lucky to work in a wide variety of gardens and occasionally come across trees which aren’t normally found in smaller suburban settings. Last week three such trees, a Walnut (Juglans regia), Quince (Cydonia oblonga) and Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) were showing evidence that Autumn had arrived. Interestingly all three have links to, or were introduced to Britain by, the Romans (just like Ground Elder, Aegopodium podagraria, which they ate).

The Latin name for Walnut translates to ‘Royal nut of Jupiter’ and is referred to as ‘food of the gods, medicine for the people’. However, you’ll be lucky to get your hands on any before Squirrels (or Mice) do.

Presumably that’s the reason why these trees have naturalised in UK gardens and parks so well; as hidden walnuts are left to germinate and grow into mature trees.

The leaves of Walnut trees are a good source of food for some micro moths too.

The Sweet chestnut is another tree introduced into this country by the Romans. These days roasted Chestnuts are associated with winter and Christmas. They contain Vitamins C and Bs along with the minerals magnesium, potassium and iron.

I remember collecting Chestnuts at a local wood when I was young; I particularly enjoyed eating them raw. These days, on the odd occasion when I do discover a Chestnut tree, the nuts are usually too small to eat. Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) trees on the other hand are more commonly found around Britain. I noticed that Conker season had also begun last week, as I traveled to and from work. There are several myths linked with Conkers (see The Woodland Trust).

The last of the unusual trees I saw last week was the Quince. This tree is a lot smaller than the ones previously mentioned, making collection of the fruit easier. In fact the garden I worked at has four planted in a formal arrangement.

Quince fruit have tough flesh with skin that turns yellow as it ripens and has a honey aroma. They need to be cooked to soften and become edible.

Recipes for Quince Jam and Jelly can be found on the internet. Originally from Turkey and Asia, recipes using Quince can be found in Roman cooking.

There were other Autumnal signs around last week, along with the ones mentioned above, including the appearance of fungi and leaves falling. Autumn is definitely settling in even though Meteorological Autumn didn’t start until this Tuesday (1st September) with Astronomical Autumn (the Autumn Equinox) to follow on the 22nd September.