We’re lucky enough to have a backyard garden despite living close to the center of Courtenay. Not only is our garden a source of food for us, many insects (and other animals) visit as well. I spent some time watching bumble bees and honey bees gathering pollen and nectar but was really fascinated by the work of wasps and hornets …
Introduced Species
Introducing Invasives
An afternoon walk around the Courtenay Estuary revealed almost a dozen of BC’s “least wanted” invasive plant species. These introduced plants are either garden escapees or plants that have been introduced to North America from Eurasia. Over time they spread “naturally” throughout the continent. In bloom were Field Bindweed (Morning Glory)(Convolvulus arvensis), Hedge Bindweed (Calystegia sepium), Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica), …
Thistle Teach You
Some fantastic thistles in bloom this morning while walking the Millard Creek trail in Courtenay, BC. All three are introduced species from Eurasia and grow in disturbed areas like roadside edges, paths and fields. The flowers are quite beautiful in their own right and I’m thinking that planting a “thistle patch” in our flower beds might be a interesting idea! …