I’m pleased with the new log pile pond but I’d not seen any wildlife using it until today when I watched this small, finger nail sized, snail go along the edge then submerge under water.
I’ve always grown teasels as I let a few self seed. They’re impressive plants and good for wildlife. I didn’t think that there would be any this year but these three are growing beside the dustbin lid pond.
I’m growing sixteen tulips in a container as I couldn’t decide where to plant them and the first ones flowered today.
I should have perhaps planted them in the square planter rather than the pretty, but not very showy, daffodils which are in it.
They’re small, little more than an inch or so, and pale in colour but there aren’t enough of them to really make much of an impact.
Lastly I promised Town Mouse (also known as Cityexile and Disgruntled) that I would mention this e-petition, Promote cycling by implementing the recommendations in the ‘Get Britain Cycling’ report, as she’s a tireless cycling campaigner and says that it is important.
Have a good weekend!
[Click on any picture to see a larger image]
Flighty's plot 
Gorgeous tulips. Some of mine are just starting to flower too. Another teasel lover. Haven’t got any in my garden, really should do something about that, but always pick a few in autumn from hedgerows to decorate the house.
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Welly’ thanks. It looks like being a good year for them. I’d love to see goldfinches on my teasels but never have (yet). Bear in mind that they are prolific self-seeders. xx
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I rather like the tulips where they are. Both the planter and the plants are complimentary to one another. Their proximity to each other is probably good for support, too. We saw some clumps of daffs and clumps of narcissi daffodils today, not far from one another. It made it easy to see the dimensional differences between the two varieties. The two types in one setting, is an idea you might like to use in your box for another time. They appear to surface and flower at the same time.
xx
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Menhir I’m never really happy with what I grow in the planters so keep trying different plants each year. I’ll keep your suggestion in mind. xx
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Those tulips are so beautiful and fresh looking, I had a few open today too.
How lovely that a snail has found your pond, lets hope it doesn’t find your plants.
It takes a while for wildlife to find a new pond but once they do they stay forever.
I’m a great lover of cycling so happy to promote all things cycling.xxxx
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Snowbird thanks. It was a small water snail rather than a big lettuce munching one. I’m sure wildlife that I’m not aware of use both ponds.
Thanks for signing the petition. xx
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Your tulips are a beautiful colour. I haven’t spotted any wildlife yet in my new pond but there is plenty of time for that. I shall sign the petition as my Mike is a great lover of cycling & is often out on his bike at he weekend.
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Joanne they certainly are. I’m sure that you will soon. Thanks for doing that. xx
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Love your pond. I don’t always see much wildlife using mine, but the other day (after about a year) I saw a great tit drinking from it. I can’t tell you how thrilled I was! Love the tulips by the way, such a lovely colour.
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CJ thanks. I don’t either. Lucky you seeing that, and I would be thrilled too. I do like yellow flowers. xx
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Gorgeous coloured tulips! Mine have all vanished from the garden now, I always think it’s a shame they don’t hang around for long. It just goes to show that you don’t need a huge amount of water to attract the wildlife. I love the little pond snails 🙂
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Paula you’re another one with good taste! That is a shame about them isn’t it. Your right, I know someone who uses a plastic plant pot saucer. Me too, fascinating creatures. xx
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Your tulips are a lovely colour. I don’t have any blooming yet but they’re in bud so they shouldn’t be long. I hope the snail stays in your pond and doesn’t do any damage to your veggies.
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Jo I’m well pleased. They don’t take long once they’re in bud. There’s no veggies for it to eat at the moment. xx
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I planted teasels last year although they didn’t send out flower heads – the plants survived the winter albeit a bit raggedy now, will have to make sure I don’t let them all go to seed or there won’t be room for any veg. Nice to see a bit of activity in your log pile pond.
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Elaine they’re a biennial so flower the following year. I’m forever digging up unwanted seedlings. Yes it is, and I’m hoping to see more. xx
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Flighty – thanks for the petition mention! It is important – this is the best chance we’ve had for ages to see the sort of change that will make cycling accessible to everyone, not just the superfit keenos who don’t mind taking on the lorries!
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Disgruntled you’re most welcome. I’m always happy to support things like this here. Let’s hope that the changes will happen. xx
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I must admit, your snail friend looks rather cute in the photos. Just where they belong — and not in my garden! Hurray for those gorgeous tulips. They look great in the container.
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Nikki it’s a really small one. I’m glad that you like the tulips. xx
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I love those tulips, they look great in their bucket but I can see what you mean about the square planter. Funny you seeing a snail like that, I was walking on the beach yesterday and saw what looked like the kind of trail a stick makes when dragged by a child in the sand. On closer inspection it proved to be a sea snail wandering around – very, very slowly. Wish I had taken my camera after all!
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Janet one day I’ll be happy with what I’ve planted in the the square planter. Fancy going for a walk on the beach and not taking your camera! xx
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Pretty tulips. Before I read the actual petition you referred to, I was thinking it was a Brit-type recycling project, but it was actual bicycles! They’re encouraging that here too, but although the powers that be are sort of “on board”, they don’t make the bike lanes along the major roads wide enough and drivers don’t pay enough attention, so it’s downright dangerous for cyclists, at least along the highways.
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Liz there’ll be another picture showing the tulips fully open. Sadly it’s the same here with cycle tracks and roads. xx
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