Insects at last!

I love the spring flowers in their own right... 

... but I also love the fact that their pollen attracts insects. 

I have seen a good number of Bumbles this spring, but that may be partly linked to the fact that we took a walk around a favourite churchyard that was carpeted (wall-to-wall) in pale purple crocus last weekend. There were a few primroses, too. The complementary shades of yellow and purple always look good together. I wondered if the bee had a tick on its face, or possibly a lump of pollen, but having done a little reading, I think it may be a mite.

Having enjoyed a walk around NT Ickworth's huge wildflower meadow in the walled garden last summer, I am hoping to respond to one of the BBC Springwatch S.O.S. projects by making my own mini-meadow for wildflowers in a large garden tub. I may also scatter some seeds in our nettle patch to increase the range of wildlife that I hope it will attract. Watch this space!

This little ladybird was strolling about in a shady corner of our door frame. I had to climb in a bush to take the picture - my excuse for the poor quality... I think it may be a Pine Ladybird (can you make out a rim around the outer edge of the elytra?). It was pretty small.

Have a good weekend!