Bramley Apples

Blue Hibiscus

Cardoon

The hibiscus and the cardoon are both over early this year. They needed more water than I was prepared to give them. Last year the cardoon grew very short and had few flowers on it. This year it grew taller and I had four flowers, unfortunately, because of the drought they were over very early but they were great while they lasted. 

Now that the plums are over, the cooking apples have taken their place. I have absolutely dozens this year. Unfortunately they have been badly attacked by codling moth. This has spoiled most of the apples. Luckily, because they are cooking apples I can cut out the bad bits and cook and freeze the others.  Unfortunately  my tree is tall and most of the apples are on top so I can't reach them.  I looked them up online and there is advice on how to do it organically.   

Codling moth in apple

Pheramone traps can be used  from early to mid May to the end of August to catch the male moths and prevent egg-laying. Replace the trap every two months. My moths had become so bad this wasn't enough this year. Birds, wasps and ground beetles can also help by eating the moths. To encourage them  grow plenty of  fennel, dill and yarrow. 

My sister has told me that the small moth by the pond is a Straw Dot moth. It is relatively common in the South of England. It likes damp meadows and woodland which is why it likes my garden. 

Straw Dot moth