For Keeps...

Today has been a 'game of two halves'. Glorious morning and afternoon, met by the ever-building stormy weather, and rain, which we have right now. My neighbours buddleia has been in flower for just under a week, the smell noticeable, and today it brought them in from far and wide; bees, butterflies, and numerous other insects. As a result, I noticed a sharp rise in insects in the garden, as they flew back and forth to this new, nectar-rich provider. My buddleia (about one third the size, as you're supposed to prune it right back every year) is about a week or so off flowering. This Gatekeeper has been a regular to the garden - just the one - and interestingly similar to last year, just the one, using the sun-catching fence to keep itself warm and alert. Also of note today, red-tailed bees (the first lot i've seen visit my garden this year), peacock butterflies, and the first ladybird i've seen since June 1st - a 14 spot.