In July's issue of Cornwall Living magazine, Bosvathick is described as beautiful, while many visitors say the garden is romantic; both descriptions are true I think. The garden has very mature parts with big rhododendrons, camellias, azeleas and deciduous trees throughout, whereas other areas are newly developed, with several herbaceous borders which are currently in full colour and are looking stunning. The whole effect of the garden gives a feeling that it has been there for centuries, with some parts barely touched and other parts lovingly nurtured, a garden that is still private which gives you the idea that you are walking through something that is still 'real' and not thoroughly cultivated. I think that is Bosvathick's strength, and we are trying to keep it that way. The house is still lived in by the same family since 1760 and the facade of the house looking from the south lawn tells you there is a long history here. It's an intriguing place.
I realise I have talked a lot about the garden on this blog and recently about the house tour as well, but it struck me that there is so much more going on in a garden than just plants, flowers and trees. So I decided to do a little bird and butterfly spotting for your interest and mine of course. I am no spotter to say the least, and certainly cannot identify one bird species from the other by simply hearing a simple call or a serenading song. Still I thought it would be nice to give a record of species I have seen over the years of being on the estate. I was utterly surprised with the list I came up with and I am sure there are many more that I have not included, birds that might only visit during the winter, or are just passing by.
However I must say that when it came to identifying the different butterflies, I started to develop a sensation over these last couple of weeks that has to be described as possibly a 'spotting' bug, or simply said a slight addiction perhaps? Never before have I really given much attention to the difference between this wide variety of winged insects that are fluttering about like there is no tomorrow. I tried my best to get some photographed so I could go home and find their particular names on the internet. You can imagine how many images taken were actually empty of butterflies, they really do very quickly move about. But, if I may say so myself, I got some good shots as well, which I will share with you in the included gallery.
Bosvathick is only open for one more month. The Garden closes at the end of August and I think the house tours are almost fully booked for the season. But you can always give the office a call to see if they can squeeze you in somewhere. Hope you enjoyed these monthly updates, I certainly did. We'll let you know what the next season will bring. Below my 'spotting list' and a photo gallery.
Birds seen on Bosvathick estate:
Canada Goose, Mallard, Pheasant, Grey Heron, Egret, Buzzard, Moor hen, Gull (several species), Wood Pigeon, Tawny Owl (only heard, not seen), Swallow, Green and Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Crow, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Warbler (specie unsure), Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Mistle/Song Thrush, Robin, Grey and White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch and our Guinea Fowl.
Butterflies seen on Bosvathick estate in July:
Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Silver-washed Fritillary, Red Admiral, Comma, Small White, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood (I am sure many more escaped my eye) and last but not least I am very excited to tell you that I also spotted a Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Never seen anything like it! Enjoy the photos.
I realise I have talked a lot about the garden on this blog and recently about the house tour as well, but it struck me that there is so much more going on in a garden than just plants, flowers and trees. So I decided to do a little bird and butterfly spotting for your interest and mine of course. I am no spotter to say the least, and certainly cannot identify one bird species from the other by simply hearing a simple call or a serenading song. Still I thought it would be nice to give a record of species I have seen over the years of being on the estate. I was utterly surprised with the list I came up with and I am sure there are many more that I have not included, birds that might only visit during the winter, or are just passing by.
However I must say that when it came to identifying the different butterflies, I started to develop a sensation over these last couple of weeks that has to be described as possibly a 'spotting' bug, or simply said a slight addiction perhaps? Never before have I really given much attention to the difference between this wide variety of winged insects that are fluttering about like there is no tomorrow. I tried my best to get some photographed so I could go home and find their particular names on the internet. You can imagine how many images taken were actually empty of butterflies, they really do very quickly move about. But, if I may say so myself, I got some good shots as well, which I will share with you in the included gallery.
Bosvathick is only open for one more month. The Garden closes at the end of August and I think the house tours are almost fully booked for the season. But you can always give the office a call to see if they can squeeze you in somewhere. Hope you enjoyed these monthly updates, I certainly did. We'll let you know what the next season will bring. Below my 'spotting list' and a photo gallery.
Birds seen on Bosvathick estate:
Canada Goose, Mallard, Pheasant, Grey Heron, Egret, Buzzard, Moor hen, Gull (several species), Wood Pigeon, Tawny Owl (only heard, not seen), Swallow, Green and Spotted Woodpecker, Magpie, Jay, Jackdaw, Crow, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Warbler (specie unsure), Wren, Dunnock, Blackbird, Mistle/Song Thrush, Robin, Grey and White Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail, Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch and our Guinea Fowl.
Butterflies seen on Bosvathick estate in July:
Peacock, Small Tortoiseshell, Silver-washed Fritillary, Red Admiral, Comma, Small White, Ringlet, Gatekeeper, Speckled Wood (I am sure many more escaped my eye) and last but not least I am very excited to tell you that I also spotted a Hummingbird Hawkmoth. Never seen anything like it! Enjoy the photos.
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