2014 – The year in focus

Whilst 2013 had been a relatively warm and sunny year for the “Wildlife Garden Balcony” , 2014 could best be described as more of a “mixed bag” –  meteorologicaly speaking.  Nevertheless , the… Continue reading →

2013 – The year in focus

In comparison to  the relentlessly wet weather throughout 2012, the relatively drier and warmer weather during 2013  had been considerably better for the Wildlife Garden Balcony and the creatures it supports.  You may… Continue reading →

…..and then there were two

In my last post I was really pleased to report that my balcony birdcam had finally captured some images of  a visiting bird (a solitary great tit) following a “drought” of photos during the… Continue reading →

2012. The year in focus.

I honestly can’t  remember such a long and relentlessly wet spring and summer as I have experienced this year. Unfortunately, the relentless rain meant that I spent considerably less time out on my… Continue reading →

Common Earwig (forficula auricularia)

Whilst it’s great to see a diverse range of bees, hoverflies and butterflies visiting my “wildlife garden balcony”, it’s also great to spot an insect visitor which I’ve never seen there before. This… Continue reading →

The Dustbin Lid Meadow

What’s green, circular, covered in bees and “pings” if you flick it? A dustbin lid meadow of course! Wildflower Meadows are some of the best wildlife habitats we have , supporting countless bees, butterflies… Continue reading →

The City Planter article

http://www.cityplanter.co.uk/inspiration/gardens/a-balcony-wildlife-garden

“The Shrieking Violet” article about Birley Fields

Here’s an article which I recently wrote for  Manchester’s rather excellent Shrieking Violet Fanzine (2nd birthday edition). It concerns the imminent loss of a large area of wild, urban green space  in my… Continue reading →

Anise Hyssop

This Anise Hyssop (hysspagastache foeniculum) is in full flower right now and has been a magnet for bumblebees visiting my balcony. A native of America, the Anise Hyssop is supposed to be frost… Continue reading →

What inspired me to make a “Wildlife Garden” Balcony?

I like gardening and I like nature. Having once had a large garden, a decade earlier,  I had managed to combine my love of both by creating a garden “wildlife reserve”, complete with… Continue reading →