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Originally Posted by Susie  I bought my first tree to go in the garden the other day, an Alder Buckthorn. Hopefully when it is big enough it will support Brimstone caterpillars as it is their only food source. |
I'm new to this forum but it seems to be just the thing i'm looking for... some really good discussions and a nice relaxed atmosphere.
Have just got 4 small Alder Buckthorn to plant either side of a Buddleja...
Brimstones are not unheard of this far north (Edinburgh) although very uncommon, but many insects are heading north with the milder winters (as are birds) so I am planting in optimism for the future (together with Ivy along the fence). The added benefit with this over Buckthorn is the lack of thorns, If you have small children about etc it can be a bit tricky planting a lot of native hedge species such as Buckthorn, Hawthorn, Blackthorn and the various scrambling roses. Although rich in biodiversity they are not kind to inquisitive little fingers. Do you still have room for more trees? If you want native but unusual try Wild Service Tree ( a close relative of Rowan) as it is quite scarce now in the wild, does not get huge and produces tasty pear shaped berries for the birds, as well as clusters of white flowers popular with bees and hoverflies.
