Showing posts with label Wildlife. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wildlife. Show all posts

Saturday, 31 July 2010

Frogs in a Grow Bag


We have always had numerous types of frogs in our garden. A green frog watering can, stone frogs and some made of cast iron. Although we do not have a pond there have always been real frogs. One of which came all the way with me to the rubbish tip and back again. Than goodness I realised he was there before the clippings went down the chute. I always now check my garden rubbish bags before setting off.


This year we have had a real delight with the frogs. They have taken up residence in the tomato grow bags. Each time the tomato plants are watered one, and sometimes two frogs, peep their heads out to receive a lovely dousing. I am using organic seaweed fertiliser on the tomato plants so I am hoping that there will be no harm to the frogs. We have also spotted what I think is toad in the garden. The more the better as far as I am concerned especially as I am sure they are helping to reduce the slug population in the garden.

Most information on the internet about attracting frogs and toads to your garden concentrates on having a pond. However most frogs and toads do not hibernate in water and spend a lot of their time on dry land so there is no reason why they cannot be frequent visitors to most gardens. The tree stumps and log piles left in our garden may be a prefect habitat for them. The Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust gives lots of tips and information about creating a frog-friendly garden.

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

I visited the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London today. The photos were fantastic and inspiring. The sort of thing most of us can only dream about taking.

What is most impressive is the Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition. The winner of the under 10 years category, taken in a 'backyard' in Finland, is an exquisite greenfinch. The reflections on the breast of the greenfinch make the photo. The overall winner 'Clash of the Yellowhammers' taken in Perthshire garden demonstrates real talent. You can see the photo, along with others from the competition on the Museum's website www.nhm.ac.uk

The whole thing has certainly opened my eyes as to how children could be inspired by the outdoors simply by taking pictures. A camera is definitely a tool that should not be overlooked. and opens up all sorts of possbilitites. Projects on documenting a day, seasons, year in the life of a garden or the life cycle of a plant all spring to mind.

BTW the museum's wildlife garden - an oasis in that part of London - is currently closed for the winter, but reopens on April 1 and is worth a visit.
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