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Burhinus's avatar

A great read for learning about pollinators is Attracting Garden Pollinators by Jean Vernon.

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Zabby's avatar

Thank you! I think this may get mentioned by someone in a guest post actually. I need to add it to my book list, so thanks for the reminder!

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Astrid Bracke's avatar

I love verbena bonariensis too and the ones I planted in our front garden this year are self-seeding like there’s no tomorrow so I’ve got a field of them now 😅 Since learning more about insects earlier this year I’ve been noticing so many other pollinators, it’s so fun to see :)

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Zabby's avatar

Oooh good, I'd like a field of them! Might try and save some seed for the allotment too. Where did you learn your insect facts?

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Astrid Bracke's avatar

I got a little insect guide in late spring to take into the garden with me and otherwise have just been Googling--I learn quite a bit from you too, here in and in the Aligned Community :) Oh, and, I started something of a nature journal, although I haven't written in it this month yet, with lists of things I've noticed and enjoyed in the garden, things that are blooming, etc. I'm looking forward to revisiting it next year and seeing any differences.

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Zabby's avatar

Oooh that's a great idea, good for you!

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Astrid Bracke's avatar

Although I'd love to be able to draw in it like you do, but maybe someday 😅 Although earlier this summer I did get ambitious and try to draw the differences between three types of salvia that grow in my garden, which worked sort of. Functional rather than aesthetic, let's say...

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Zabby's avatar

Oooh, but that's a good way to start I think! And if function is what you need... then that's the most important thing. Sometimes just starting with drawing the shapes or the outlines, without worrying too much about adding detail or flair is just the ticket to get started.

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Astrid Bracke's avatar

Yes, that’s probably a good idea. I kind of also want it to be *pretty* but oh well 😅

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Clare Baker's avatar

I meant to let you know I absolutely loved this Zabby. The bee fact is fascinating. And I have particularly loved noticing hoverflies in the garden since I read it. Thank you x

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Zabby's avatar

Ohhhh thank you Clare! I'm a big hoverfly fan so that makes me very happy.

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