Balcony Green Roof 2 – Spiders, Solitary Bees and Annuals
Spider on patrol
Spider on my Balcony green roof
The spider on my Balcony green roof finally performed for the camera. I have been watching two of these 8 legged wonders wandering across the small roof. Fast, small and very difficult to photograph, this afternoon they finally ventured up the wall. Jumping spiders are the numerous of all the Spider families. I haven’ t my balcony green roof ones leap as yet, but I sure they do. To the naked eye they are not much, but I would think you would agree, the camera shows what real beauties they are.
Solitary bees on annuals and Sedum
Cornflower
The corn camomile, corn marigold and cornflowers that I sowed a few months ago are in full flower. The Corn cockles will soon follow. They are all attracting small leaf-cutter bees to collect pollen. Several of these are taking up residence in the habitat wall (bee hotel) besides the balcony green roof.
Solitary bee collecting pollen.
These small solitary bees are also suited to pollinate the Sedum alba and acre. There tiny flowers, especially the album are reaching high above the roof. There must have been a good 10 solitary bees enjoying the white flowers.
Sedum alba
A Small Haven for Wildlife on my balcony green roof
Red-tailed bumblebees paid a visit briefly to a few of the annuals, and a few Halactid solitary bees checked out the corn camomile. A few of these are nesting in the habitat wall. Interestingly one female has decided that John’s perfect craftsmanship, is not for her. She has decided a more conventional nest site is for her. A crack in the Balcony wall.
So the point of all this – even a tiny 1.5m2 balcony green roof can deliver a lot of biodiversity activity.
