4 days ago
Lidl's £1.99 plant bundle that flowers all summer is ‘incredible deal' says Gardening Pro & butterflies love it
THERE'S trouble in paradise.
Recent
They're a 'key indicator' species, according to Dr Richard Fox, head of Science at Butterfly Conservation.
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The 'Small Tortoiseshell' is declining in numbers, keep an eye out
Credit: Supplied
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This 'Small White' is also known as the 'Cabbage White' in the UK
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
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The Red Admiral arrives in the UK from North Africa and Continental Europe in Spring
Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
'When they are in trouble, we know that the wider environment is in trouble too' he told Sun Gardening.
'Last year, nature sounded the alarm call and we were able to respond, securing a complete ban from the Government on particularly toxic neonicotinoid pesticides on crops in 2025,' he said.
'Now we are calling on people across the UK to get involved once again, to enjoy 15 minutes out spotting and counting
Read More Gardening
In last year's worrying count, participants spotted just seven butterflies on average per count - a reduction of almost 50 per cent on the previous year and the lowest in the count's history.
It was also the worst summer for a number of popular species including Small Tortoiseshell and Common Blue.
This year - all you need to do is to find a spot on a hot sunny day - between now and August 10.
And then sit for 15 minutes and count how many butterflies you see - identifying them as you go, using their ID chart.
Most read in Fabulous
You can download the chart and print it out for free
If you want to take it further - how about creating a butterfly- friendly garden?
You have 20/20 vision if you can spot the hidden butterfly in five seconds – before the camera zooms in
Plants like
In later summer, plants like Dahlia's, sedums, nepeta and hebes also attract our fluttering friends.
And even bedding plants like
Plus they can bloom all summer - and maybe into autumn if it doesn't get too cold.
In an incredible deal,
Avoid pesticides - they harm beneficial insects like
Even 'pollinator-friendly' products can contain pesticides, which are toxic to insects.
Organic methods such as companion planting are a great alternative - like planting basil near tomatoes to repel aphids, or using nasturtiums to attract beneficial insects and deter pests.
And finally, consider letting some of your lawn grow wild.
Long grass allows some species of butterflies and moths to complete their life cycle by providing a place to lay eggs and food for caterpillars.
It can also allow nectar-rich plants like clover, bluebells, and dandelions to bloom.
Also in Veronica's Column this week...
News, top tips and competition to win 'In Conversation at Kew' tickets
TOP TIP!
If your balcony gets plenty of sunlight six hours a day, plant up tomatoes, peppers, basil, rosemary, and thyme, marigolds, bellis, petunias, pansies or fuchsias. For shady spaces, use ferns, ivy, begonias, or even some types of lettuce and salad leaves.
Check how much weight your balcony can handle. Lightweight pots made from plastic or fibreglass are easy to move and won't overload your balcony.
Windy conditions can dry out plants quickly and even knock over pots, so use ones with heavy bottoms and secure with plant ties or stakes. Pick sturdy, wind resistant plants like succulents, rosemary, lavender, ornamental grasses, hardy flowering plants like geraniums and marigolds, and coastal or alpine species adapted to exposed conditions.
NEWS!
ROSE of the Year 2026 has been announced - and it's a shrub rose called 'Coral Gardens.'
Awarded by
It's aim is to discover - over a two year trial - the best roses in any given year, This year's winner, by breeders
WIN!
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PLANT OF THE WEEK!
Crocosmia
Can be a bit of a bully, so stop it from spreading too much - but it offers a real tropical vibe with fiery bright orange or red flowers and lush green leaves. Grows in most soils, sun and partial shade.
JOB OF THE WEEK
! Plant foxgloves to flower the following Spring, carrots and radishes, and get young courgette seedlings in to harvest before the first frost!
TOP TIP!
JULY is peak strawberry harvesting season - but it's also a good month to plant new
Once it's got a good root system, you can cut it from the parent and get it into a bigger pot, or straight into the bed.
TOP TIP!
Hanging baskets are really struggling in this heat. It's advisable to water them every day - sometimes twice, as they dry out so quickly. And have a re-think if everything's dying. Succulents look good hanging over the side of baskets - and don't need as much water. As do ivy-leaf trailing geraniums, English Ivy, million bells - aka Calibrachoa and Lantana.
Think about mixing in water-retaining gel crystals as well - which can really boost the moisture levels. I've used
