We have Green Woodpeckers and Spotted Woodpeckers in our garden at present.  Before they are seen they can often be heard tapping away at a tree trunk trying to entice out the bugs.  They are also quite happy to dine on the lawn or on rotting logs we have left in the hedgerows.

If you want the bugs in your garden, but don't like the idea of rotting logs, then you can try a bug box.  These are easy to hang and look good on a wall or fence.  They might also be popular with woodpeckers!

We have been plagued by rabbbits for the past few years, but at least in the past I would catch a few each summer (in humane traps).  But this year I have caught only one and yet there are more rabbits than ever.  How do they learn to ignore the juicy carrot inside the trap?  Do I need to change the bait or change tack completely?  Beans seem to be about the only thing they will leave alone.

This is the time of year when it is easy to sit back and admire the lettuces filling out and to forget to sow more.  A good rule of thumb is to sow every two weeks, ideally when rain is forecast. 

These are two lettuces with a good heart.  Little Gen on the left and Marvel of Four Seasons on the right. All they need now is a splash of red wine vinegar and some extra virgin olive oil!  And maybe some croutons....

I don't ever remember more delicious potatoes than this year's Earlies, a variety called Colleen.  They are firm, sweet and smooth and melt in your mouth.  We have been eating them for a week or so now but already they are getting that little bit too large so that they can break up when boilled.  Guess we better hurry up and eat the rest then!