We are hosts to many creatures

If a smaller garden limits the choice of plant species you can introduce, the obvious solution is to go for bankers, long-flowering, reliable types. In this respect, lavender stands out from the rest. It was in bloom as June arrived and will continue, with deadheading, until September.

Its Medit-erranean origin has made the difference during our recent rain-free period. Whereas another insect favourite, catmint (Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’), has struggled in the dry conditions, two favourite lavender cultivars ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ stand tall and buzz with daily activity. But all is not lost with the catmint. By removing the spent stems, we’ll encourage the emerging young growths and repeat flowering.

Valerian, rudbeckia, echinacea, origanum, verbena, helichrysum, geranium, knautia, and monarda, are all good herbaceous perennials fit for the task of summer nectar production. With helenium, Michaelmas daisy and sedum leading us into autumn. By which time we might see a few more butterflies!

Granted, the painted lady normally makes a late dramatic entrance, but by this time, we should have had regular visits from the red admiral or peacock. All there is to report is an occasional cabbage white, tortoiseshell and meadow brown. There is a slight concern because the blooms on our butterfly bush (buddleja) are already beginning to fade. Still, there are other treats on offer.

In this garden, we see ourselves as hosts to visiting animals. Insects, birds, amphibians, and even certain mammals are welcome. It`s reassuring when hand-weeding the vegetable beds to find frogs searching for slugs. Or, to meet the resident hedgehog during an evening walk of inspection. His diet defines him as a friend but the jury is out on a lone rabbit!