I have discovered some vine weevil damage to plants in my front garden. The vine weevil is a grey beetle that damages cultivated plants in its adult and larval stages. The adults eat notches into the edges of plant leaves and seem to prefer plants with crunchy leaves like shrubs, although I have found damage to Heuchera as well as Epimedium in my own garden. Their larvae lurk below the soil and concentrate on eating the roots of plants preferring Sedum, Fuschia and Heuchera. Plants in pots seem especially popular with these pests.

If you think you may have vine weevil damage you could try using one of the organic methods of control that work by introducing a predator nematode nto the soil that attack the larvae and kill them.

The soil needs to be warm and preferably wet because the microscopic swim through the water in the soil to reach the weevil larvae. You can often buy the nematodes from large garden centres or over the internet and simply mix it in a bucket of water and apply it using a watering can to the affected areas and pots.

I have been using them for the last few years and although I still find a few weevils I see far less damage than I did before I began treating for them. I prefer using the nematodes rather than chemicals because they don’t target any other insects that could be beneficial.

Even if you have a very small garden composed of no more than a few shrubs and some lawn, the chances are that it already provides a home to wildlife. Although we are most likely to notice larger creatures like birds and mammals it is the insects and small bugs that form the basis of their diet and encouraging these ‘mini-beasts’ into your garden will eventually result in larger creatures visiting.

A compost heap is always a good way to get really small insects into the garden as they help decompose the materials in the heap. If you have space for a heap top it up with green plant material mixed with woody prunings or even cardboard (torn up). The cardboard will help the green bits to decompose without getting slimy and is especially good if you want to compost your grass cuttings.

Flowering shrubs are good for providing nectar for insects and if you have space for several types to spread their flowers across the seasons you can ensure there is food for insects almost all year. Some of these insects (Hoverflies in particular) will predate on common garden pests like greenfly as well as attracting bird predators.

Hanging up a bird feeder could make all the difference to local birds such as sparrows and you will find larger birds like blackbirds will clear up the seed that falls to the ground as well as helping to keep slugs and snails under control. Put the bird feeder away from walls and places where cats could hide, if you can put it in a tree it will provide cover for shy birds to use the feeder.

If you would like your own wildlife-friendly garden call Create Garden Design to arrange a free consultation the numbers are at the top of the page.