Nostr notes by LionelB

It was right to admit ex-Corbynites to the Green Party but not to ...

2026-10-22T14:44:07Z

It was right to admit ex-Corbynites to the Green Party but not to admit those who are still Corbynites but joined because they have nowhere else to go.

Their fetish for conference motions is about defining those who are not 'true believers' , with the logic of then demanding their expulsion. The next motion is drawn tighter and then another tranche rejected. The process trundles on until nobody remains.

The debate should be about the problems with their political culture, not around the purity test set pieces that they construct.

#ukpol #GreenParty

This is a legacy of one of my 'enthusiasms'. It is a type ...

2026-10-21T19:41:15Z

This is a legacy of one of my 'enthusiasms'. It is a type of everyday porcelain known as ironware. This example is a breakfast tea cup and saucer — the popularity of the designs resulted in a bewildering variety of product variations, down to a honey jar and toast rack. This pattern is called Fruit Basket and was sold mostly from the 1940's to the 1960's.

It was made in Staffordshire, England by Mason, alongside what was then a vast pottery complex.

I must get into the habit of using the items I have, rather than storing them.

#porcelain #staffordshire #industrialheritage

Bird of Paradise flowers. They look exotic but the plant is a ...

2026-10-14T06:31:48Z

Bird of Paradise flowers. They look exotic but the plant is a very tough weed.

For something like 15 years this has stayed vaguely alive, ...

2026-09-17T07:57:05Z

For something like 15 years this has stayed vaguely alive, producing a few leaves. Suddenly this year it has thrown up a flower spike. I don't even remember quite what it is but some type of Amaryllis.

It could simply be that it has been slowly building up strength but I think much more likely the exceptional drought and heat triggered flower development.

#gardening

I got a Bluetti. Very compact and simple, with an inbuilt carry ...

2026-09-14T17:39:44Z

In reply to nevent1q…mm7g
_________________________

I got a Bluetti. Very compact and simple, with an inbuilt carry handle. For phones and a light ideal. Router would power for a while.

Probably royalty.

2026-08-28T08:34:00Z

In reply to nevent1q…ump5
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Probably royalty.

Here are three of my shrubs which responded to the drought by ...

2026-08-22T09:06:43Z

Here are three of my shrubs which responded to the drought by sacrificing leaves. All three are rapidly putting on fresh growth in response to the sudden availability of water.

Whether they can pull off this trick year after year I am not sure.

#gardening #climatechange #climateemergency

Official drought declared in most of England and Wales. There ...

2026-08-10T18:19:54Z

Official drought declared in most of England and Wales. There should be a huge promotion of agrivoltaics - replacement of fossil fuel energy at the same time as protecting crops/sheep, while cutting water loss/use.

They should be screaming agrivoltaics from the front page of every newspaper.

Instead, silence.

#climatechange #Agrivoltaics #solar

What a wonderful tractor. Designed along with Porsche. #tractor ...

2026-08-01T19:17:34Z

What a wonderful tractor. Designed along with Porsche.

#tractor #vintagetractor

I am not advocating actual gold 😄

2026-07-30T20:52:54Z

In reply to nevent1q…vf4t
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I am not advocating actual gold 😄

The grey is logical, as it doesn't shift the colours of the ...

2026-07-30T20:25:15Z

In reply to nevent1q…qpc9
_________________________

The grey is logical, as it doesn't shift the colours of the art. If you are very brave, you could go for a metallised surface. Probably easiest as a wallpaper. Gold or bronze? Similar in effect but much more energy.

Not a flat surface though. Pitted, to avoid a mirror effect.

I promised butterflies and this one is extraordinary. It is a ...

2026-06-18T12:43:27Z

I promised butterflies and this one is extraordinary. It is a Scarce Copper (Lycaena virgauriae). Medium sized and an astonishing dayglo tangerine. This is a male. The female looks much more fritillary.

#butterfly #Switzerland #Alps

Monarchs are rightly celebrated but the Painted Lady (Cynthia ...

2026-05-26T18:35:32Z

Monarchs are rightly celebrated but the Painted Lady (Cynthia cardui) also makes an epic migration. Centranthus is like a magnet to them. In the space of two minutes I saw five of them on a clump. Pristine, as you can see.

When refreshed, they hurtle on at great speed, level and direct. They are on a mission.

2026 is seeing a huge migration. Silver Y moths are turning up in large numbers too. Valerian is written off as a weed. For migrating species it is a high energy drink lifeline. Plant more!

#butterflies #paintedlady

This is a quite insane display of what appear to be sumptuously ...

2026-05-18T14:04:27Z

This is a quite insane display of what appear to be sumptuously decorated patisseries but are in fact all candles. An object lesson in how to change joy into bitter disappointment in the space of a couple of seconds.

#homedecoration

This really shows off the capability of the new 90mm macro lens. ...

2026-05-17T19:23:28Z

This really shows off the capability of the new 90mm macro lens.

It is a Common Tiger Hoverfly (Helophilus pendulus).

#insects #hoverfly

The blackbird today asked very nicely for some mealworms. He has ...

2026-05-08T14:21:42Z

The blackbird today asked very nicely for some mealworms.

He has a good long-term memory and he knows who I am.

#birds

2) The technique is usually discussed as a natural fertiliser or ...

2026-05-04T20:49:37Z

In reply to nevent1q…mq6k
_________________________

2)
The technique is usually discussed as a natural fertiliser or foliar feed. The particular emphasis is the tiny traces of molybdenum, manganese, boron etc. which are necessary for plant health.

That is absolutely correct but I think too limited. The plant isolated in a sterile environment supplied with nutrients is not very interesting.

My aim was to add missing nutrients and an inoculum of new microbes, to kick start changes in the soil ecology. Change the balance of the bacteria and you shift the protozoans, the fungi, the tiny invertebrates, the bigger invertebrates and in principle you can change the ecology and physical nature of the soil fundamentally. Nutrient release, organic content, aeration, acidity etc. Each of which then cascades.

#gardening #soil #soilecology

My species Malus is usually very weak and prone to fungal attack ...

2026-05-04T19:27:59Z

My species Malus is usually very weak and prone to fungal attack almost as soon as the leaves open. This year it looks vibrant for the first time.

Last year I doused the base with an aerated nettle ferment and sprayed some on the lower leaves. Whether there is cause and effect I have no idea.

Native white chestnuts nearby are looking uncharacteristically healthy this year, so weather may be having a big effect and the treatment may be irrelevant.

#trees

This is one of the most startling creatures in the UK. Although ...

2026-04-26T17:14:05Z

This is one of the most startling creatures in the UK. Although named after a cat, to me it is absolutely a miniature rabbit. It is a Puss Moth (Cerura vinula).

What you can't see from the photo is that it is huge. Around 40mm in length.

It is surprisingly well camouflaged when tightly folded. I did a double-take before I believed my eyes.

#moths #entomology

A very attractive insect yesterday. This is a German Scorpionfly ...

2026-04-25T07:33:56Z

A very attractive insect yesterday. This is a German Scorpionfly (Panorpa germanica). Oddly elaborate.

#insects #entomology

It really doesn't get better than this. A fruit tree arbour ...

2026-04-23T19:57:41Z

It really doesn't get better than this. A fruit tree arbour in a walled garden on a warm, sunny afternoon.

#gardening #England #gloucestershire

An unashamed post of yet another Holly Blue. For this and the ...

2026-04-22T09:06:37Z

An unashamed post of yet another Holly Blue. For this and the Orange Tip this is absolutely a bumper year.

Insect behaviour is far more structured than we imagine. This female is basking on a Shining Cranesbill (Geranium lucidum) in my garden. As the name suggests, the leaves have a highly reflective film, which bounces back a lot of solar energy. It is like sunbathing on space film.

There is a particular corner with a thuja and Portuguese laurel which they are drawn to. Thuja has a strong citrus scent. It could be that they 'like' the smell. Equally, it may just register to them as an unmistakable landmark, like a station clock.

#insects #butterflies

I bought a pack of kiln dried birch logs (Home Bargains in UK) ...

2026-04-18T07:53:00Z

I bought a pack of kiln dried birch logs (Home Bargains in UK) and picked out the thicker blocks to make a bee house. They are fussy about depth, so I needed auger bits for greater reach. The excavations are around 12cm deep.

#solitarybees #bees #insects

I have said before that my macro lens is not best suited to ...

2026-04-08T20:45:08Z

I have said before that my macro lens is not best suited to ornithology but this came out very well.

It is a Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) and it - and others - were singing beautifully today. Southern UK.

#birds #warblers #ornithology

Some excellent news. Under fleece protection, the giant Canary ...

2026-04-06T11:30:15Z

Some excellent news. Under fleece protection, the giant Canary Islands echium has not just survived but flourished. Over the winter months it has doubled in size. Now, it is in great need of sunshine. [Cotswolds, UK]

#gardening

The Caltha palustris doing very well in the raised pond. ...

2026-04-04T11:42:44Z

The Caltha palustris doing very well in the raised pond.

#gardening #pond #wildflowers

@npub1ppe…qv2g An update on Nottinghamshire's Tapinoma ants ...

2026-03-29T20:08:02Z

myrmepropagandist (npub1ppe…qv2g)
An update on Nottinghamshire's Tapinoma ants
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr1KZSqvS34

#ants

Weevil! This would need microscopy follow up but is likely ...

2026-03-11T17:37:57Z

Weevil! This would need microscopy follow up but is likely Ceratapion onopordi. Southern England

#weevil #WeevilWednesday #insect

Whilst gaining nothing on their Right. Will Labour shrink to a ...

2026-02-28T10:20:30Z

In reply to nevent1q…lzuv
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Whilst gaining nothing on their Right.

Will Labour shrink to a rump, simply implode, merge its remnants into Reform?

The "Starmer is a decent man" narrative is clearly nonsense and the bulk of their MPs are cynical careerists. All are participants in their 'authentic zeitgeist whisperer of the (1950s) working class' religion.

There is a maybe a niche for a revamped Harold Wilson (of whichever gender) as part of a parliamentary alliance against the hard Right.

It certainly looks like epochal territory.

#ukpol

A tray of sodium bicarbonate is said to be good at absorbing dog ...

2026-02-04T17:07:55Z

In reply to nevent1q…u49u
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A tray of sodium bicarbonate is said to be good at absorbing dog smells from the upholstery. No need for direct contact.

A corollary to that is the different perspective on time. Big ...

2026-02-01T09:52:56Z

In reply to nevent1q…x99y
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A corollary to that is the different perspective on time. Big tech in the USA initially played the long game of entrapment. Now everything has its focus on immediate extraction. Quarterly performance is 'long-term'.

In China, everything is subsumed to a 5 year or 10 year horizon.

That reflects also in social media. Greed now, versus destiny.

Fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus) was growing abundantly along ...

2026-01-23T19:59:37Z

Fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus) was growing abundantly along the sea wall.
#wildflowers #costablanca

Wanting to get on with it is understandable 😃

2026-01-21T17:51:34Z

In reply to nevent1q…k85d
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Wanting to get on with it is understandable 😃

Sweet peas will start in October but the best advice I have seen ...

2026-01-21T17:22:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…qhxz
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Sweet peas will start in October but the best advice I have seen is to sow them in December. A lull in the early part of the year is probably not doing them much good and they will tend to become leggy. Continuous growing from a later start avoids that and they should transplant better.

Whoever allowed the use of Copilot by the police should be ...

2026-01-14T11:20:15Z

In reply to nevent1q…jx43
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Whoever allowed the use of Copilot by the police should be sacked.

My catalpa stems are very straight and lighweight. They would be ...

2026-01-14T11:13:32Z

In reply to nevent1q…hxd6
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My catalpa stems are very straight and lighweight. They would be ideal for the longitudinal sections I think.

On the accession of Eastern Europe, Blair had the option of a ...

2026-01-11T10:04:47Z

In reply to nevent1q…38kl
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On the accession of Eastern Europe, Blair had the option of a seven year phase-in but refused it.

To "borders should not exist" purists, this is not problematic.

It did though mean that flows exceeded what the logistics could handle - infrastructure and employment.

Much grievance was not about xenophobia but about the sudden deterioration of schools, GP surgeries, housing availability.

There should have been a seven year transition and there should have been comprehensive social integration and infrastructure projects in parallel.

We are essentially still in that place. There are academic economic arguments about demographics and entrepreneurial spirit which look good on a spreadsheet but still no attempt at planning, no transition arrangements.

Race and volume get all the attention on both sides of the divide but the assumption is still that new arrivals will just disappear into the system, which will take up the slack, with no policy and no investment.

This growing in a verge beside a road. Cyclamen hederifolium. ...

2026-01-01T15:17:13Z

This growing in a verge beside a road. Cyclamen hederifolium. Elsewhere, the top-soil has brought black mustard, geranium and artichokes, along with many others. Everything growing very vigorously. Curious.

#disturbedground #urbanwildflowers

My crazy Teucrium. Like gorse, it never stops flowering. ...

2025-12-30T15:30:01Z

My crazy Teucrium. Like gorse, it never stops flowering.

#gardening

The giant echium today before it was wrapped in fleece. There are ...

2025-12-29T14:10:37Z

The giant echium today before it was wrapped in fleece. There are some cold nights coming up. Whether it survives is now entirely down to the weather.

#echium #canaryislands

@npub12pw…zvxn When I started work, it was common to get things ...

2025-12-22T10:58:18Z

@ChrisMayLA6@zirk.us has moved (npub12pw…zvxn)

When I started work, it was common to get things done by doing favours and calling in favours. Those who were obliging and flexible did well. The miserable and ungenerous got no help, so they performed badly. Actions didn't come out of my budget or your budget. It was our budget.

Since this was a 'favours' economy, objectionable customers of course got an inferior service. Rightly so.

Then the accountants set up micro section budgets, creating fierce competition. Defending one's own pot of money became the universal top priority and everything froze. Instant, imaginative (and inexpensive) fixes became impossible and sloping shoulders became the norm. Useless meetings, position papers and disputes gobbled up funds, all in the name of not being the one holding the parcel when the music stopped.

'Evidence' and metrics are generally that which is easily ...

2025-12-22T09:52:59Z

In reply to nevent1q…vvwz
_________________________

'Evidence' and metrics are generally that which is easily measured. The accountant mentality.

Innovation, cooperation, the human touch should be core considerations but accountants are not interested in anything outside the realm of their bean-counting expertise. Which is most things.

The spreadsheet was one of the most damaging things ever invented.

Not only is the giant echium alive, it is growing vigorously. The ...

2025-12-20T13:17:55Z

Not only is the giant echium alive, it is growing vigorously. The abutilon too. I presume that both take their cue from day length. January is likely to pose the biggest threat.

[Southern UK]

#gardening #climatechange

There is supposedly a drift towards giving consumables for Xmas. ...

2025-12-07T10:17:04Z

There is supposedly a drift towards giving consumables for Xmas. That seems like a very good idea. Soap, subscriptions, food hampers, paper, bird seed...

Most people have a crazy amount of 'stuff' and want to reduce it, not collect more.

For those in need, basics are a lifeline.

Wooden brushes and darning kits too - simple equipment to extend the life of stuff we already possess.

Arts and craft are also an exception. We need to sustain those creative people.

#christmasgifts #christmaspresents

Goldfinches descend on my Perovskia as late as April, so I leave ...

2025-12-02T22:55:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…qvtp
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Goldfinches descend on my Perovskia as late as April, so I leave it until the new growth is already well on the way.

Just short of £160,000 at this point. 33 days left.

2025-11-29T10:02:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…365h
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Just short of £160,000 at this point.

33 days left.

Alcohol-free beer is excellent these days and widely available. ...

2025-11-19T16:52:01Z

In reply to nevent1q…cs7g
_________________________

Alcohol-free beer is excellent these days and widely available. The scenario is much less of an issue than it used to be.

I would call it Lutheran. Dark and proper. Highly suspicious of ...

2025-11-09T09:52:13Z

In reply to nevent1q…ep2l
_________________________

I would call it Lutheran. Dark and proper. Highly suspicious of joy. At home in a bank, a town hall or the office of a solicitor.

@npub1t2q…n4vh I am not seeing 'Navigation' in default ...

2025-10-28T16:16:13Z

Organic Maps (npub1t2q…n4vh)

I am not seeing 'Navigation' in default apps in iOS.

Latest Organic Maps is installed.

I am in Spain.

#SilentSunday Three clam shells on a beach. ...

2025-10-26T14:03:29Z

#SilentSunday

Three clam shells on a beach.

A young woman gave up her seat to me on the metro. Very nice of ...

2025-10-19T17:39:39Z

A young woman gave up her seat to me on the metro. Very nice of her but not familiar territory for me.

I will no doubt try to rationalise it by the fact that I was weighed down with a heavy rucksack, which might have caught someone in the face. Better to be sat down.

I am 'old' but probably it is only other old people who understand that the elements of decay are just external.

The me inside is perennially around 30. There isn't a me inside which is 'old'.

To say that there is a feeling of being trapped would be an overstatement. It creeps up very gradually. But there is a sense of disconnect. The two states don't match up.

#life #ageing

Chocolate and hazelnut gateau is probably not good for me at a ...

2025-10-18T13:30:06Z

Chocolate and hazelnut gateau is probably not good for me at a physical level.

But think of the spiritual aspects.

This day flying moth on lantana has an almost unbelievable ...

2025-10-16T10:26:05Z

This day flying moth on lantana has an almost unbelievable abstract art colouration. It is a Rattlebox, not sure of species. Quite large. 13-14mm.

#moths #andalusia

These are very popular in Spain, with good reason. 75km range and ...

2025-10-14T19:21:34Z

These are very popular in Spain, with good reason. 75km range and plug in anywhere. Dry, space for shopping, fits through small gaps.

Disadvantage is that they are not 90% of cars on the road. F=m.a

Also, the choice is grey or grey.

#weirdcarmastodon #ev #microcar #citroenami

Fabulous little Seat 127. #weirdcarmastodon ...

2025-10-08T09:19:27Z

Fabulous little Seat 127.

#weirdcarmastodon

I am not suggesting this is either properly wild or native but ...

2025-10-05T17:13:11Z

I am not suggesting this is either properly wild or native but these nasturtiums are growing at the base of a basalt cliff, mostly in shade. It gives a useful insight into where they like to be.

#WildflowerHour

A lecture from Adam on Alienation, without ever using the word. ...

2025-09-25T20:12:25Z

A lecture from Adam on Alienation, without ever using the word.

His is a very important point. In wild places, we have come to see ourselves as intruders. We had better relearn quickly that we are participants. We can be destructive or beneficial but we are not and have never been absent.

#ecology #forests

If This Isn't Good Medicine, I Don't Know What Is
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLXdaT2kZNU

Law is often treated as a toolbox to advance the ideological ...

2025-09-21T09:59:28Z

In reply to nevent1q…e7w6
_________________________

Law is often treated as a toolbox to advance the ideological agenda of enforcement officers.

Much is simply ignored. Some is contorted to have application in ways not intended by the legislators.

The letter of the law and the alleged intentions behind it are considerably removed from the direct exercise of power. Political interference is very evident.

Windsor a case in point.

If all of the imagined efficiency gains had been real, the ...

2025-09-19T09:06:10Z

In reply to nevent1q…9u96
_________________________

If all of the imagined efficiency gains had been real, the economy would be a nothingness by now.

Squeezing demoralises and injects chaos. Capital is spent without training, maintenance, monitoring, policy formation. It is therefore poorly utilised.

Squeezing increases inefficiency. More mistakes. More lost opportunities.

I bought an 1857 reprint of an 1815 book on entomology. Not for ...

2025-09-13T10:06:11Z

I bought an 1857 reprint of an 1815 book on entomology. Not for scientific insights but to see how they thought, what they did and what they observed.

What I expected was Enlightenment inspired scientific analysis.

I was quite unprepared to find heavy duty theology. Given that vicars were among the few who had the education and leisure to become entomologists, I should not have been.

The Victorian habit of signalling gentility by always using three words when one will do is extremely intrusive.

Mass production of print seems to have brought about conspicuous over-indulgence in text.

#entomology #history #insects

One of the best views out of a train window anywhere. Perfect ...

2025-09-07T19:41:56Z

One of the best views out of a train window anywhere. Perfect weather for it.

Dawlish.

#rail #travel

For no very obvious reason, I just remembered the 1954 film ...

2025-09-04T23:07:29Z

For no very obvious reason, I just remembered the 1954 film 'The Runaway Bus', starring Frankie Howerd.

It revolves around a then British European Airways bus which gets lost in fog.

With breathtaking chutzpah, almost the entire film is set in special effects fog, so the bus is the set. Accidentally avant garde and surely the last word when it comes to working within a tight budget.

#film #movies

This book is part of the New Naturalist series by Collins. It was ...

2025-09-02T13:20:01Z

This book is part of the New Naturalist series by Collins. It was written in 1947.

It has some very interesting characteristics. The text is learned and technical but it is set out in plain language. There is no superiority about it. Throughout, there is an infectious sense of wonder and many references to what we don't know.

The approach is systematic, so most of the content is as valid as it was then.

It reflects a time when curiosity and knowledge were valued in their own right and respected.

Today, the focus is much more on photographic lists. Trainspotting, without a knowledge of infrastructure, engineering, logistics and communication.

#nature #biodiversity #insects #entomology

Naturalists are predominantly elderly. Is this because they were ...

2025-09-02T09:21:31Z

Naturalists are predominantly elderly.

Is this because they were socialised as children in a time when there was a greater abundance and variety of wildlife and were more free to roam or is it simply that in retirement they have time to let their interest flower?

If the former, we are in danger of seeing a collapse in data gathering for anything other than birds and butterflies, putting the natural world in greater danger.

If it is just a stage of life thing, there will be steady replacement and data will continue to flow.

Any thoughts?

#insects #entomology #biodiversity #birds #wildlife

Horse Chestnut trees in the UK and elsewhere are being destroyed ...

2025-08-31T17:25:29Z

Horse Chestnut trees in the UK and elsewhere are being destroyed by a virulent fungus. Both young and old trees are affected, from early in the season.

It was interesting to see Indian Chestnut nearby. It is very mildly affected.

Since young plants are susceptible, a hybridisation or gene transfer experiment could yield results much more quickly than for Ash.

#trees #arboriculture #treediseases

This is a medlar. A very unusual fruit tree but very attractive. ...

2025-08-31T17:12:58Z

This is a medlar. A very unusual fruit tree but very attractive.

#gardening #fruittrees

To those of us of a certain age, having fizzy drinks squirted ...

2025-08-31T12:17:55Z

In reply to nevent1q…njfv
_________________________

To those of us of a certain age, having fizzy drinks squirted over them.

This is quite wonderful. It addresses the romantic idea that ...

2025-08-27T21:33:03Z

This is quite wonderful. It addresses the romantic idea that there is a battle between mankind and the countryside. [Oligarchs versus everything decent and good is a different case]. Homo sapiens bad. Nature pristine and ideal. An emotional take.

It takes that belief system apart and explains that 'the countryside' is artificial and is how it is because of what we humans did to it. That keeping it means intervening actively, as opposed to not interfering.

The historical perspective on trees, built on facts rather than emotions, suggests a radically different perspective in favour of interfering and against the ideology of neglect.

Well worth a watch. Challenge what you think you know.

#trees #ecology #countryside #conservation

*How Natural is Natural? Historical Perspectives on Wildlife and the Environment in England*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPzjCQb2Uuw

This is a fairly new cultivar of Ligustrum which is called Lemon ...

2025-08-25T13:27:58Z

This is a fairly new cultivar of Ligustrum which is called Lemon 'n Lime. It is supposed to develop yellow-lime foliage when grown in the sun but actually it burns to an ugly brown crisp.

In the shade it loses the colour intensity and becomes a much more mainstream green. It also becomes a delightful small tree.

Ignore the label. Grow it as a specimen well away from sunshine.

#gardening

I bought some red-flushed apricots grown in England. A ...

2025-08-23T20:39:23Z

I bought some red-flushed apricots grown in England. A revelation! It used to be vaguely possible to grow one variety - Moor Park.

These were Congat. Very juicy and with a streak of acidity to balance the sweetness. Random sizes. No prissiness.

#fruit #apricots

I have just booked a rail journey of 160 miles. Admittedly I have ...

2025-08-18T18:07:14Z

I have just booked a rail journey of 160 miles. Admittedly I have a railcard but I paid just £21 for a single.

Something quite dramatic has happened on UK railways, with very little fanfare.

It is so cheap that it wouldn't be a disaster if I decided not to go. Though I can get a partial refund, as long as I don't activate the ticket.

Seat bookings are included.

Train travel deserves to be used much more for leisure.

#rail #UKRail #railways #travel #Trains

This Vitex agnus-castus has flowered properly for the first time ...

2025-08-17T21:35:06Z

This Vitex agnus-castus has flowered properly for the first time this year. I removed a lot of lower branches and I think it took the hint. I have loudly announced its possible removal.

It is called Chasteberry because a potion made from it was fed to monks, to dampen down any 'urges' which might have distracted from their monastic duties. Historical records don't indicate that it was very effective.

#gardening #shrubs

A caterpillar of the Knot Grass moth (Acronicta rumicis). They ...

2025-08-17T20:39:39Z

A caterpillar of the Knot Grass moth (Acronicta rumicis). They will eat lots of different things. Interesting that this one was on Red Bartsia. The moth is very decorative but entirely black and white.

#moths #insects

I hadn't expected this to be a butterfly day but it turned ...

2025-08-16T15:30:02Z

I hadn't expected this to be a butterfly day but it turned out that way. This is a male Common Blue (Polyommatus icarus).

#butterflies #insects

With nettle, you can extract the fibres and make into tea towels ...

2025-08-09T21:16:43Z

In reply to nevent1q…ft74
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With nettle, you can extract the fibres and make into tea towels and shirts :) If you have a few months with nothing to do...

With both you can leave them to rot down in a big bucket, then ...

2025-08-09T21:14:23Z

In reply to nevent1q…ft74
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With both you can leave them to rot down in a big bucket, then drain off the juice in the bottom and use it as liquid fertiliser.

Very quiet today but there was this. Common Darter female ...

2025-08-06T18:20:02Z

Very quiet today but there was this. Common Darter female (Sympetrum striolatum).

#dragonfly #insects

Comfrey and nettle.

2025-08-05T19:17:59Z

In reply to nevent1q…805t
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Comfrey and nettle.

One of our most beautiful insects. This is a (greater) Hornet ...

2025-08-01T17:55:32Z

One of our most beautiful insects. This is a (greater) Hornet Hoverfly (Volucella zonaria). It is completely harmless; all an act.

In flight it is a brilliant orange. It resembles clear toffee.

Found mostly in southern areas of England. It does janitor duties in hornet nests.

#insects #hoverfly

The chilling effect is exactly what Labour want. #ukpol

2025-07-30T20:31:42Z

In reply to nevent1q…svvz
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The chilling effect is exactly what Labour want.

#ukpol

A nice afternoon but invertebrates were hiding away. Only a few ...

2025-07-30T18:26:08Z

A nice afternoon but invertebrates were hiding away. Only a few recorded. The stand out was this 22 spot ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata).

They are about a fifth the size of the usual 7 spot.

There are Harlequins around but I see the native species thriving alongside the supposed monster invader. I don't buy into the Armageddon hype around Harmonia axyridis.

#ladybird #insects

This isa mystery. It is a distorted flower bud on a magnolia. It ...

2025-07-28T15:22:12Z

This isa mystery. It is a distorted flower bud on a magnolia. It appears to be a wasp gall but hosting numerous larvae, rather than one. The white spots are odd though.

This is a fully mature specimen tree grown in a huge pot, so I would guess sourced wholesale from Italy.

Galls are normally quite specific but I can't find any reference to a specific wasp.

Magnolia is not a UK native so my presumption is that this is an invasive. I intend to remove the galls and destroy them, as a precaution.

Has anyone seen these before?

#insects #wasps #entomology #horticulture #magnolia

Another plug for the up-coming (charitable) event which brings ...

2025-07-24T22:36:50Z

Another plug for the up-coming (charitable) event which brings together a vast array of classic cars, vintage buses, coaches and motorbikes, steam engines, steam fair and much else.

Next to the Cotswold lakes.

https://www.glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk/

#weirdcarmastodon

This is an invasive from Asia, sadly. Especially unfortunate as ...

2025-07-24T18:54:25Z

This is an invasive from Asia, sadly. Especially unfortunate as elm is already having a disastrous time.

No surprise at all to learn that it is called ZigZag!

#insects #sawflies

A delight to find this. Passed by thousands of unsuspecting Tesco ...

2025-07-05T16:21:44Z

A delight to find this. Passed by thousands of unsuspecting Tesco shoppers.

A Cinnabar moth caterpillar (Tyria jacobaeae).

They have been having a difficult time.

#moth #insects

Corvids seem to take offence at petals sometimes. Maybe it is not ...

2025-07-04T20:35:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…ym9e
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Corvids seem to take offence at petals sometimes. Maybe it is not chewing as such but angry pecking?

Despite letting in 'cool' 19° air in overnight, the ...

2025-07-01T09:26:25Z

Despite letting in 'cool' 19° air in overnight, the living space is still stubbornly at 25°.

An obvious improvement would be shade the windows from outside. Space blankets and duct tape?

Yesterday hit 32°. When the UK gets 45°, logic suggests it will get to 38° indoors.

The killer is no major drop in night temperatures.

To manage, the options [all of which presume significant spending power] are a portable air-conditioning unit; park the EV in the shade somewhere and drain the battery with the aircon; book into a hotel which has aircon.

There is a huge market in external shutters about to open up in the UK.

#climatechange

No serious harm done to me. There was a local boy who had been in ...

2025-06-14T13:54:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…tsnh
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No serious harm done to me.

There was a local boy who had been in the thick of it. I took his hand silently. A woman friend took his other hand instinctively. And instantly we became 'nuclear family'.

We melted through the police lines like ninjas.

I was pushed through a shop window. The police were pretty ...

2025-06-14T13:40:58Z

In reply to nevent1q…4tgu
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I was pushed through a shop window. The police were pretty solidly for the fascists.

But the day was a success. The hard core of the nazis lapped it up but their softer supporters were unnerved and their movement fell apart.

#antifascism

I don't disagree with your sentiment but I think we need to ...

2025-06-11T10:26:14Z

In reply to nevent1q…qlnz
_________________________

I don't disagree with your sentiment but I think we need to dig down into the data more.

It is necessary to quantify how much of the divergence is down to inadequacies in primary care and how much is explained by Americans' horrific dietary habits.

I suspect that food policy/culture is the larger contributor by some margin.

The sea-kale in the walled garden is enormous this year and the ...

2025-06-11T08:45:03Z

The sea-kale in the walled garden is enormous this year and the pineapple broom is well on the way to becoming a tree.

#gardening #walledgarden

A common red ant (Myrmica rubra) farming aphids this afternoon on ...

2025-05-22T21:03:55Z

A common red ant (Myrmica rubra) farming aphids this afternoon on cow parsley.

Fine in the wild but please not on my apple tree!

#ants #aphids

This is one of the best photos I have ever taken and the subject ...

2025-05-20T20:13:05Z

This is one of the best photos I have ever taken and the subject is rather special.

It has two beautiful names - Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle and Agapanthia villosoviridescens.

It is very localised and I found it just about within its range. A highly unusual find.

The flight shot was the result of luck, persistence and observation.

Enjoy!

#insects #beetle #coleoptera

This is what I have been waiting for. I will be happy with just ...

2025-05-13T19:17:13Z

This is what I have been waiting for. I will be happy with just one.

My little apple tree from Tesco. Year 3.

#apple #fruit

This fledgling blue tit missed its vocation as a duck. It kept ...

2025-05-13T19:07:14Z

This fledgling blue tit missed its vocation as a duck. It kept jumping in and out of the pond and splashing. Barely out of the nest.

#birdsofmastodon

I have been working on this for years. It finally delivered. Iris ...

2025-05-13T14:10:04Z

I have been working on this for years. It finally delivered.

Iris borders are very rare. They need immense patience and a lot of space. They are over in days and rather dull most of the time.

But they are the pinnacle.

#gardening #englishgarden #iris

After complaining that the thyme bank was not attracting ...

2025-05-12T19:40:33Z

After complaining that the thyme bank was not attracting pollinators, Jo (npub16rp…873y) suggested it was probably because the soil was too dry.

After the rain (and my watering) things changed this morning.

Tiny bees around 5mm arrived. They have a startling green metallic head and shoulders.

They seem to be Common Green Furrow Bee (Lasioglossum morio) but a microscope probably needed to separate from other possibles.

Southern England.

#bees #insects

Tiny must have been a remarkable dog. Much loved. Cherry trees ...

2025-05-10T17:19:12Z

Tiny must have been a remarkable dog. Much loved.

Cherry trees tend not to live long. This one is 103 and full of vigour.

The owner long forgotten. The dog celebrated still.

#dogs #dogsofmastodon

This one had been told that if it stayed completely still it ...

2025-05-09T22:38:29Z

In reply to nevent1q…g2sd
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This one had been told that if it stayed completely still it would be invisible.

The Actinidia kolomikta is a close relative of the commercial ...

2025-05-05T17:50:18Z

The Actinidia kolomikta is a close relative of the commercial kiwi fruit but purely decorative.

Whether this one was planted in the 1920's I am not sure. It became very tired and had some major surgery but as you can see it has bounced back well.

#gardening #shrubs