It snowed again, just when Spring had officially begun and just as it felt that it was time for things to start growing again, it snowed.
I have done quite a bit of my Spring cutting back in the garden, not everything is cleared away to allow for the new growth, but the majority has been. I am never quick to tidy up the old growth in the garden, I see it as a way of protecting the new growth whilst the worst of the frosts and snow are around. I also see it as a great place for hibernating insects and potential food for birds. I am also just not that tidy.
I have mentioned before that I love growing teasels. They are a good all-year plant, they have architectural growth, bee-friendly flowers and then great seed heads that stand proud all winter long. I have cleared away some from garden but the thicket in the wild garden remains and a few in the conservatory border remain as to be honest I like seeing them still giving the garden some height before the new spring growth really kicks in. Today I was glad I had not rushed to clear them.
I might even have been almost as glad as the goldfinches.
I have done quite a bit of my Spring cutting back in the garden, not everything is cleared away to allow for the new growth, but the majority has been. I am never quick to tidy up the old growth in the garden, I see it as a way of protecting the new growth whilst the worst of the frosts and snow are around. I also see it as a great place for hibernating insects and potential food for birds. I am also just not that tidy.
I have mentioned before that I love growing teasels. They are a good all-year plant, they have architectural growth, bee-friendly flowers and then great seed heads that stand proud all winter long. I have cleared away some from garden but the thicket in the wild garden remains and a few in the conservatory border remain as to be honest I like seeing them still giving the garden some height before the new spring growth really kicks in. Today I was glad I had not rushed to clear them.
I grew some teasles froma seed quite a few years ago. I'm sure the amount of teasles that are in the field behind my garden come from that original sowing.
ReplyDeleteIt wouldn't surprise me, they are prolific self seeders, I weed out far more than I keep.
DeleteThe little birds in the teasels look so happy. Since the weather has been so odd, I'm sure they appreciate every seed.
ReplyDeleteIt must be very hard for them, I am keeping the feeders topped up too.
DeleteI like goldfinches :) A few were feeding in the feeder this winter.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, and great vindication. I too am naturally untidy, gardening with wildlife in mind works well for me!
ReplyDeletetidiness is so over-rated :)
Deletegiven this fine post a plug on my facebook page
ReplyDeleteEna
thanks - that's really kind of you.
DeleteStill haven't cleared my teasels yet. The weather has just not been good enough for any kind of gardening. But next year, I must remember to leave them right through to spring, for the birds to enjoy.
ReplyDelete