The teasel feast

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.

Comments

  1. 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.

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    1. It wouldn't surprise me, they are prolific self seeders, I weed out far more than I keep.

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  2. The little birds in the teasels look so happy. Since the weather has been so odd, I'm sure they appreciate every seed.

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    Replies
    1. It must be very hard for them, I am keeping the feeders topped up too.

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  3. I like goldfinches :) A few were feeding in the feeder this winter.

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  4. Lovely photos, and great vindication. I too am naturally untidy, gardening with wildlife in mind works well for me!

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  5. given this fine post a plug on my facebook page

    Ena

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  6. Still 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.

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