Dunfarmin Blog

The summer has been very dry and although the number of 'rain days' was about normal, the amounts that fell were small and were removed rapidly due to plant growth and evaporation. Although a couple of significant rain events occurred in July and August, the land is very dry with no drains running. Locally several properties have run out of water as their private supplies have dried up. The pond here, has fallen to it's lowest level since it was constructed. Fortunately there does not appear to be derimental effects on the pond life. The margins have remained damp and the marginal plants have continued to grow, but not as vogourously as hoped. A plus point is that as the level is about 600m lower than normal, with the water depth about 1.0 metre, it has been easy to see the abundance of oxygenating plants such as Hornwort (Ceratophyllum Demersum) and to a lesser extent Curly Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus.) These were not so much planted as thrown into the deep parts of the pond so it is pleasing that they are happy. Various other shallow water plants such as Mare's Tail (Hippuris vulgaris), Acorus, Arrowhead (Sagittaria Sagittifolia) and various Rushes and Reeds, although 'high and dry' are still finding water to survive. Other 'wild flowers' planted in the vicinity of the pond have done remarkably well, with Bird's Foot Trefoil, Yellow Rattle, Ragged Robin, Knapweed, Mugwort, St John's Wort and Wild Carrot, to name a few, all producing a large number of flowers/seeds over a long period.

July and August were very pleasant months with a maximum temperature of 29.1°C, consequently insects and insect eaters had a good period. The Swallows reared their third brood which fledged on August 28th and I feel sure the youngsters will be strong enough to make the journey south. One day the chicks were fluttering around in the nesting building trying their wings but the following day they were flying like adults and skimming the pond for water and insects - amazing. The numbers of Peacock and Red Admiral butterflies observed this year were lower than previous but stiil numerous with an estimated 60 on one Buddleia bush. Although brassicas are grown in the garden and many Cabbage Whites were seen, very few caterpillars or plant damage were observed.

On several days a number of Red Legged Shieldbugs were in evidence (I had to look them up as never seen them before.) Apparently they like gardens and orchards with Oak, Alder and Hazel being their favourites. There are many of those species, both young and mature round the garden, so that explains the population.