Gardenless Gardener

Hello

I'm doing this all the wrong way. My first post was the other night in the pests and diseases discussion, and I've been over in the photography section admiring people's work and now I've found my way to the introductions!

I live in Hertfordshire in a third floor maisonette so my gardening is confined to containers. I'm still finding my way, having only started taking a proper interest in planting last year, although I've watched Gardener's World for years!

My interest was really sparked by the reports on the decline of bees and butterflies and I wanted to try to do something to help. I have a lavatera and musk mallows which the bees seem to love. I also grew some cornflowers from seed and have been pleased with the number of flowers and how long they have lasted - although next year I think I'll try the dwarf variety! My eyes are definitely bigger than my balcony!

Claire

 

Good evening Claire and welcome to the site. You`ll soon have to find room for a greenhouse the way you are going.:gnthb::rotfl::rotfl:

 

Hi, Claire! Welcome to GC. There are plenty of tips for those who garden a balcony.

 

Hi Claire. I'm glad you're up for saving the bees. Me too, but I'm still learning too.

For some ideas about what works for the bees, why not have a look at the bumblebee conservation trust's site:
http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/

They have a list of top flowers for the bumblebees on their website. Obviously you'd be a bit limited as to what you can fit in containers, but it might give you some ideas. If you're interesting in the plight of the bees, you might also be interested to know that many species of butterfly and moth are in trouble too, and some of their favourite flowers are also popular with the bees. Have a look here:

http://www.butterflygarden.co.uk/index.html

 

Hi Claire-your name chiaroscuro....you like paintings then?


Welcome to the forum

 

Hi Claire - don't let a 'balcony' limitation put you off - not sure if Rosa (another member here) has a gallery of pics somewhere - in fact I think she does.....but she has a fantastic assortment of plants on her apartment balcony - and it may provide some inspiration for you! Well done you though for wanting to do your part - the bonus is that you also get to enjoy your new hobby

 

Hiya and welcome there's quite a few balcony gardeber's on here

 

Hello all, thanks for all the welcomes.

Dai - you're not wrong! :hehe:

Clueless - thanks for the links. I'll look at them soon.

Lollipop - I do like paintings, but my love of words is more the reason for the name. (That said, I'm planning a visit to the Tate when I'm on holiday in a couple of weeks time.) I was trying to think of a username for another forum and saw the term clair-obscure in the dictionary, the definition for which was chiaroscuro which I thought had a good ring to it. Ever since I try to use the same name on any forum I sign up to and get a bit miffed if someone's got there before me. :D

Strawman, Natalie and Little Miss Road Rage - I'm glad there are lots of tips for balcony gardeners around. I've seen some of the photos of Rosa's balcony and it's amazing.