Gardening

Wood ant nest.  This nest belongs to the Southern red wood ant, Formica rufa.  Wood ant nests do differ between species, although it can be hard to tell them apart.

Variegated geranium leaf, Geranium Mrs Pollock, showing Zonal colouration and pigment variegation, including area of red anthocyanin.

Lungwort Pulmonaria officianalis showing distinctive spotted leaves

Willow leaf beetle Lochmaea caprea showing damage to Willow Salix

Willow anthracnose Drepanopeziza sphaerioides on Weeping willow foliage Saliz babalonica

Plum Prunus domestica sketchbook page with detail of fruit and a leaf

Pear sprig with blossom, leaves and fruit Pyrus communis

Oak sudden death Phytophthora ramorum fungi and algae pest on Oak tree Quercus

Oak spangle galls from wasp Tilia platyphyllos and Silk button galls from wasp Neuroterus numismalis on Oak leaf Quercus robu

Magnolia sprig Magnolia grandiflora in flower with leaves not yet out

Lime leaf nail galls Lime Tilia europaea caused by the mite Eriophyes tiliae

China Mark caterpillar Nymphula stagnata on lily leaf, with close up showing the damage from the caterpillar’s burrow

Bay sucker Lauritrioza alacris psyllid on Bay Laurus nobilis

Sea Buck-thorn Hippophae rhamnoides shrub pen and ink with colour wash

Lilac Syringa vulgaris tree pen and ink.  Illustration shows the tree in full bloom.

Lilac Syringa vulgaris tree pen and ink.  Illustration shows the tree in full bloom.

Magnolia tree Magnolia grandiflora tree pen and ink with colour wash.  Illustration shows the tree in flower, before the leaves appear.

Magnolia Magnolifia gradiflora tree, showing the tree in full flower, before the leaves appear.

Guelder rose shrub Viburnum opulus pen and ink with watercolour wash.  Illustration shows the shrub in bloom.

Guelder rose tree Viburnum opulus.  Illustration shows the shrub in blossom.

Medlar Mespilus germanica tree pen and ink with colour wash.  Illustration shows tree with fruit.

Medlar Mespilus germanica tree pen and ink.  Illustration shows tree in fruit

Staghorn sumac Rhus typhina tree pen and ink with colour wash

Staghorn Sumac Rhus typhina tree, with pinnate leaves and furry fruit pen and ink botanical illustration.