Last year cuckoo flowers were left to grow in the flower borders of my Sussex garden, specifically to encourage butterflies. One year later they are blooming well.
According to
https://butterfly-conservation.org, several crucifers are used as caterpillar foodplants, especially Cuckooflower (Cardamine pratensis), above in my garden and Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), which were also selectively allow to grow.
Today my patience was rewarded with a female Orange-tip,
Anthocharis cardamines.
Today and yesterday a male has been flying around.
The Garlic mustard is visited by solitary bees above and below.
Above is a parasitic Nomad bee.
This big headed bee is yet to be identified.
Some observations of the evolution of the garden over decades is illustrated in a talk,
The evolution of a formal garden to a nature reserve – how to enjoy a garden more with less effort!
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