Warm sunny weather has finally replaced the wet conditions we seemed to be stuck in all May.
As I write this, meteorological summer has begun so the change in weather is rather fitting.
It has been fascinating to follow the seasons so far this year; paying particular attention to the timing of tree blossom arrival. After the Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), the ornamental Cherries (Prunus) took over alongside the Crab apples (Malus). Then for the last few weeks Rowan (Sorbus), Horse chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum) and Hawthorn (Crataegus) have been blooming and continue to do so.
More wild flowers are joining in the visual performance as Red clover (Trifolium pratense) and Common vetch (Vicia sativa) started putting on a show too.
Delicate Common vetch flowers
Even on the allotment, the Lacy Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) has begun to bloom alongside the vibrant Geums, which is a great combination.
Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) visiting the Phacelia
The bees have been enjoying their nectar and pollen, along with a Hairy shield bug (Dolycoris baccarum) who came to visit on them Saturday (see photo below).
We do have blackthorn hedges nearby so I guess it had been overwintering on those.
I’ve noticed that the Chive flowers are particularly loved by worker Red tailed bumblebees (Bombus lapidarius); this isn’t too much of a surprise as I know they have short tongues, plus once they have found a good food source they will repeatedly visit the same plant.
Seven-spot ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata) numbers are increasing on allotment too. Plus one Female Wolf spider (Pardosa amentata) carrying a blue egg sac was spotted.
It is always a joy to share my plot with beneficial insects, as I don’t use insecticides.
It was nice to have a long weekend, it gave me a chance to walk through the local woodland park which I hadn’t done for a few weeks. Lots of butterflies were flitting about, including one Speckled wood butterfly (Pararge aegeria).
Bee in the Moment 