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Sunday, June 13, 2021

Wildflowers


Bee Orchids


Following on from a local wildlife bloggers post  where she posted about this.


Her blog is a mine of natural history information with the added attraction of being local.

This is what happens when verges are left un mown.   Cardiff Council, and many others now have a policy of not mowing and its so much better all round.

This verge is alongside a road going past a retail outlet centre so its high traffic volume but no many pedestrians, but its had good publicity on local wildlife sites because of the range of wildflowers.





Bladder Campion  




Vipers Bugloss  
 


Field Scabius 




This is what I went to see, Bee Orchids






and what a wonderful display.  Lets hope this no mow policy continues.

13 comments:

  1. How awesome, such beauty just laying in wait, and I know the pollinators will love it. Not only is the mowing still going on here but they spray some kind of weed killer on the road edges, and trees, it's insane. I do hope your town continues and more and more towns catch on too. Have a great new week.

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  2. Thanks Sondra. It makes sense not to mow, unless there is a hazard, by not mowing. Councils save money all round and the environment benefits.

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  3. Looks lovely Dave. Let's hope all councils start to follow this rule. I am now not cutting my (small) lawns as frequently as of yore for the same reasons. I did not know what wild flowers lurked there - only trouble is when I do cut it it is heavier work.

    Perhaps the time will come when it becomes too much work - then the bees will really have it good!

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  4. I dont cut our small lawns till about July as its much more attractive with long grass and flowers. I do cut a path around the edges though just so we can walk around easier. We get more birds and insects than before. I have tried sowing wild flower seeds onto the lawn but haven't had any luck yet. Apparentley the poorer the soil the more likely they are to grow.

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  5. Oh Dave, this makes my heat happy! I love wild flowers in their natural habitat.
    So lovely.

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    Replies
    1. Nature is wonderful Wanda, if only we take the time to stand and stare.

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  6. This has been going on round here for some time.
    Church graveyards cut half the yard, leaving the other, then later, cut the second part.
    Ths allowing movement and encouraging widllife.
    The council gardeners similarly leaves as much as possible for wildlife.
    Too many front gardens are now concreted over for cars, not enough bushes for bees and insects.
    Great pictures.

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    Replies
    1. Thats good news Mr A, graveyards are havens for wildlife, one in Cardiff has actually created a wild life haven. https://cathayscemetery.coffeecup.com/

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    2. I always find it strange how enjoyable a walk in a cemetery can be!
      It's the "Why bother going home?" comments that annoy.

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  7. What lovely flowers! Those orchids are special, definitely don't have wild orchids in Vermont.

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    Replies
    1. They are Annie and we're so lucky to have them locally. After your comment I had to Google to see if there were orchids in Vermont, have a look at this.
      https://phys.org/news/2017-06-lovers-flock-vermont-bog-wild.html. Now that could be a bike trip?

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  8. Not mowing is such a simple thing, and so good for the bees. Hats off to your local councils. I love the bee orchids.

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  9. Yes lets hope it catches on Alison.

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As you have taken the time to read my blog and comment then whenever possible I will always reply. Thank you. Dave