Small Tortoiseshell

Although there is a concerning decline of the Small Tortoiseshell in the UK, that's not at all evident here.  There have been some around for a couple of weeks now but the warmth of the past couple of days has brought on a sudden explosion.  There have always been plenty of nettles around to keep the caterpillars happy, even though, in the rent contract,  I'm supposed to keep the 'unwanted' weed under control.  I inherited the worst of them from previous occupants! 

I had to run out to get some fresh seeding compost but really did get down to the seed sowing today and am please to see most of those I started on last week have germinated.  So that's the tomatoes guaranteed. Now I've started most of the beets, root and leaf varieties and the broccoli and kale. I even got some of the beans and peas sown in pots which I'll force in the house for a week or so, 

I do love my garden.Now feeling very content  and very grubby!