Plants to attract bugs on drystone wall

[Pagurus]

Originally Posted by Dorts

For the Shady areas, there are some great little Ferns that you could use; (may be able to get them from a specialist nursery), such as Rusty-Back, Wall Rue and some of the many different kinds of Spleenworts, just push them in a crack between the stones, (will need watering for the first 6 months or so, as with all plantings).
Dorts.

I think you’ve been reading my mind Just yesterday I had a delivery of three books: The RSPB Gardening for Wildlife (2010), Moss Gardening by George Shenk, and Gardening with Ferns by Martin Rickard. Ferns seem like the perfect solution. I'm also hoping to give shelter for some of the more rare native ferns around here too if I can find an ethical way to do that.

I was surprised to find out that quite a few insects are found on ferns. When the ferns are young and at their most nutritious they also produce high amounts of defensive compounds, so fewer insects feed on ferns in the spring. By late summer the ferns are much more palatable even though their nutrient value is much less, so the highest numbers of insects are found on them at that time of year.

Following the advice I’ve received here I’ve decided to plant ferns, create a stumpery, and also encourage mosses and lichens in the shaded front garden and side alley. I’m looking forward to seeing what kinds of creatures are attracted to this combination

Thanks again, and also for the tip about the watering.

[Pagurus]

Originally Posted by Jez

I know of one specialist who sell spleenwort. Please PM me for more info!

Cheers

Jez

Thank you Will do just as soon as I send this….

[Dorts]

Ferns germinate quite readily, so one way to produce new plants without doing anything illegal is to get some large pots filled with a suitable compost and place them below a wall or rock on which the desirable fern grows. If done when the spore are ripe you could either leave the pots until new the plants emerge, (they look like a piece of algae at first). Or take the pots home after a few weeks, keep them moist and in shade, and wait.
Great fun, you never know what may pop-up.
Dorts.

[Pagurus]

Originally Posted by Dorts

Ferns germinate quite readily, so one way to produce new plants without doing anything illegal is to get some large pots filled with a suitable compost and place them below a wall or rock on which the desirable fern grows. If done when the spore are ripe you could either leave the pots until new the plants emerge, (they look like a piece of algae at first). Or take the pots home after a few weeks, keep them moist and in shade, and wait.
Great fun, you never know what may pop-up.
Dorts.

Thank you so much I'd never have thought of that, and it's so nice to retain a bit of mystery. I'm now trying to think of a way to camouflage the pots so as not to draw the attention of curious passersby/dogs/children etc.

I'm also thinking that it might be a good idea to take a small sample of soil from around the desired ferns and do a basic analysis of it in order to try and recreate something similar for them in their niche on the wall.

And as you say that would definitely be a legal way to increase their numbers Great idea!

Pagurus