New Butterfly Spotted at Flower Farm

Silver Washed Fritillary on Marjoram

  Last Summer, I saw these butterflies here for the first time at our Flower Farm in Dumfries & Galloway. It's a Silver Washed Fritillary. Instantly recognisable as they have a lovely floaty way of flying.⁠
  But I hadn't seen any here before in 10 Summers - not saying they aren't about but certainly not common. Indeed, my 1991 edition of 'Butterflies of Britain & Ireland' book advises these aren't found this far North. (Must see if I can find a more up to date edition...)⁠
  Perhaps it was the hot Summer down South encouraging them up the country. Or is it just another example of habitat & climate change? Did you see them too?⁠
  They were always seen around a large bed of wild Marjoram. To put it mildly, Marjoram self seeds generously & I let it. Last year, I had about 8 square metres of it flowering in a big patch. ⁠
  It's fabulous as a cut flower - smells lovely, long stems & lasts well in water too. Flowers can be pink or white. I cut hundreds of scented stems from it over several months. It gives a natural, wildflower look to a bouquet or arrangement.⁠
  Even if I wasn't growing it for cutting, I would make room for Marjoram. Anything unused provides a 'nectar cafe' for so many pollinators. The patch was always buzzing with life in sunshine. Nothing wasted!⁠
As well as Butterflies, it's loved by the Honey Bees, Hoverflies & so much more I can't name. In turn, those creatures will have made a meal for the birds & bats. A simple, tough native plant creating a better habitat for us all.⁠