Pixiq

Tropical rainforests are renowned as biodiverse habitats; yet a wide range of plants in your garden will enhance the biodiversity of wildlife visitors. Even one kind of plant can attract a range of invertebrates. During a fortnight when three lilies bloomed in a pot, I photographed the succession of invertebrate visitors attracted to the flowers during the day and at night. Here are some, with notes on how I photographed them. Just think what a wildflower meadow would attract!

 Flowers that attract wildlife

If you like taking flowers and macro shots of insects, it is a fun project to work on in your own garden. Coneflowers are good for bees, while the butterfly bush (Buddleia) attracts butterflies. In hummingbird territory, plant nectar-rich flowers with obvious throats – such as Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans), Red Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea), Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Scarlet Salvia (Salvia coccinea), Columbines (Aquilegia spp), Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) and Four O'Clock or Marvel of Peru (Mirabilis jalapa) which opens in late afternoon – to attract hummers.

A plea

I am working on a project with Kew Gardens – looking at floral structure in relation to their pollinators. If anyone can guarantee a period when hummingbirds visit spectacular flowers (preferably true species NOT hybrids) to feed, I should love to know. It could be later this year or spring next. Trumpet vine would be good, as I have already taken the flowers. Happy to give some photo tips in exchange!