Beautiful Butterflies, Dr Ian Bedford, February's meeting

 

A big thank you goes out to Dr Ian Bedford for his fascinating talk into the world of butterflies and moths. Ian, a respected entomologist who is well known for his TV and radio shows, has been studying butterflies, moths and insects since a child. Ian shared his amazing acknowledge of butterflies telling us about their intriguing lives, the difficulties they are facing due the destruction of their habit and climate change. Ian also told us what we can all do to make our gardens wildlife and butterfly friendly and help make a difference to their future.   

I was amazed to hear about the Painted Lady Butterfly (pic) who’s yearly life cycle involves flying from North Africa to Europe and the UK, what a spectacular migration.  As a thank you for supporting his talk, Ian has offered our members a 15% discount at the The Garden Superstore https://www.thegardensuperstore.co.uk  Simply add the discount code BEDFORD15 when purchasing goods.

 

As gardeners we know the importance of having insects in our gardens, Ian certainly emphasised this and told us how to attract butterflies and moths. Ian’s top three plants to grow are;  Buddleias (good varieties are Pink Pagoda, Sugar Plum and Summer House Blue), Perennial Sunflower Helianthus x laetiflorus) and Perennial Wallflowers (Erysimum). As Ian said give them the plants they like and they will come!  

I am sure you will all be keen to play your part in planting a butterfly friendly plant (of course three will look even better). To further this I am asking all our members to take a pledge to plant a butterfly friendly plant. Take the pledge by completing the form at the end of the Newsletter, your name will entered into a free draw and the first 5 members drawn will win a butterfly friendly plant, the next 10 members drawn will win a pack wild flower seeds. Please ensure that you return your pledge by April.  At the end of the summer you are invited to provide photos of your plants, prizes will be on offer to the best plant displays.    Good luck to you all.