Talkback: Bug box

Gardeners' World Web User

I too have a 'pollinating bee log' which i bought through the cancer research. It really is wonderful to see the bees busy cutting leaves and filling the canes. Chris O'Toole has written a small book about them - which I am trying to find!!

Gardeners' World Web User

Delighted to hear you have made a home for leaf cutter bees, too. A Google search shows that Amazon has Christopher O'Toole's book called 'The Red Mason Bee: Taking the Sting Out of Beekeeping' in paperback (from £2.20). Could this be the book you're after, Anne?

Gardeners' World Web User

Can anyone out there help me in my quest to buy some ladybird lava for my newley installed ladybird house. I had so few ladybirds in the garden this year that I thought I would give them a hand. I had so many green fly in my lupins this year that it killed them.

Gardeners' World Web User

Kay, you can buy ladybirds and their larvae from a number of natural pest control companies, like Just Green. I'm sure these would only be available at certain times of year, so you would need to ask for advice. Check out their website. Also check the Green Gardener website.

Gardeners' World Web User

Hi Kay, you can buy adult ladybirds from Wiggly Wigglers, but they are only available from the end of May to August. Their web site is here

Gardeners' World Web User

Our local school, Manorbrook Primary in Thornbury has been awarded a Breathing Spaces grant to update and improve a woodland area planted within the school grounds 25 years ago. We are all very excited about the prospect of working in the area and need some practical advice about wildlife boggy areas and hibernaculums which children can easily assemble. Any ideas?

Gardeners' World Web User

I’ve recently made a bee/bug box but have noticed wasps have taken up residence. Knowing nothing about wasps other than the obvious will they make a nest in the box could it be a problem and should I get rid of it.

Gardeners' World Web User

I have just placed a beautiful garden bench in my front garden - carved ruggedly from a tree trunk. I was enjoying the sunshine and a cup of coffee whilst sitting on my seat when a bee started frantically buzzing across me, back and forth many times. As I moved forward to avoid it's onslaught it popped in behind me to a hole in the back of my seat. I now have to perch on the other end of the seat to enjoy my coffee.

Gardeners' World Web User

I have just placed a beautiful garden bench in my front garden - carved ruggedly from a tree trunk. I was enjoying the sunshine and a cup of coffee whilst sitting on my seat when a bee started frantically buzzing across me, back and forth many times. As I moved forward to avoid its onslaught it popped in behind me to a hole in the back of my seat. I now have to perch on the other end of the seat to enjoy my coffee.

Gardeners' World Web User

i was next to my willow the other day and i heard a buzzing followed by a quiet munching noise which turned out to be a bee cutting neat discs out of the leafs, this was the first time ive witnessed a leaf cutter bee and was fascinated by it. I need to get myself a couple of nest box/sites for them now as i want to see more.

Gardeners' World Web User

bird controlAfter listening to the discussion, it is not clear who exactly is responsible for bird control at airports … for such a serious safety issue it seems to be very loosely regulated?