August

 

 

 

Just a few things to see in the garden

in August.

 

 

 Pinus montezumae is in cone.  A native of

Southern and Central Mexico with grey green leaves which look not unlike a chimney sweepers brush.  A beautiful tree which is not reliably hardy although it is growing well here. 

 

A Brown Hawker, one of the many dragonflies at High Beeches.  A common dragonfly in the South East of England mostly found close to well vegetated ponds. http://www.webjam.com/bdssx

The beautiful Aesculus parviflora is in flower.
A native of the S E United States introduced by John Fraser in 1795.  It is free flowering in July/
August and colours well in the Autumn.
http://www.plantsmanscorner.co.uk/journal-articles/212-the-plant-hunters-1750-1811.html










It is always good to find the pretty Wahlenbergia hederacea  (Ivy-leaved Bellflower) flourishing in the garden.  It is a trailing perennial
of damp, shady ground.  It is much more common in the South West
and Wales.  The ivy shaped leaves are carried on long stems and its
delicate flowers are to be seen in July/August.

Butterflies

Butterflies

Silver Washed Fritillary

At this time of year the meadow and garden are
alive with butterflies.  The meadow attracts
Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns, Common Blues
and Skippers.  In the garden there are Speckled
Woods, Marbled Whites, Large Whites,
 Clouded Yellows, Silver Washed Fritillaries
Red Admirals, Peacocks, Small Tortoiseshells, Commas and possibly Painted Ladies too.

The garden butterflies are particularly fond
of Leptospermum.

For more about Sussex butterflies
http://www.sussex-butterflies.org.uk/index.php

Comma

Red Admiral