Sunday 18 May 2008

Of Wood Peonies and Butterflies

My wood peony has just bloomed for the very first time since I planted it (about 7 years ago or so, I think):



The plant itself is huge and because it has never flowered before, I have always thought of it as a 'leaf interest' plant. It was interesting how delicate and fragile the flowers appeared to be in comparision with the strong presence of the rest of the plant.

In all honesty, the flowers did not last very long (perhaps a week at the most) and, as my garden is so small (very little room for fleeting or non-performers), I am very glad that I have other reasons for enjoying this plant and keeping it as a permanent feature in my border.

Now I did not spot this lovely creature in my garden, I caught sight of this Peacock butterfly fluttering happily around my parent's garden.

It made me realise that I had not seen a butterfly in a very long time. In fact, worryingly for a woman with a house full of yarn, my garden seems to be a haven for moths and other slightly less than desirable creepy crawlies. I suspect that my honeysuckle may help to explain this but surely it is possible to have a garden that will attract both?

Hmm. Now I do have a variagated butterfly bush but it has never really thrived in my garden, which is (North East facing). Does anyone have ideas for plants that would do well in a very small, part shady garden that are attractive to butterflies?

2 comments:

Roobeedoo said...

Borage? Or is that for bees? It looks lovely anyway and seems to grow under trees as well in sunshine. Maybe the butterflies just don't like the shade?

Team Knit said...

Ooh, your garden is stunning! I can't believe it took 7 years for your wood peony to bloom, but it was worth the wait. Peonies are my favourite flowers, thank you for sharing!

- Julie