mrbadexample

Don't fret Fred, none of the mesh is in contact with the barrel. Unless you're saying they don't like the rainwater dripping off it into the barrel?

Hi Steve, the bamboo screen was to act as a windbreak to stop the pitchers being flattened. I've been thinking about starting another, smaller one, just for VFTs but I really don't have the space. My garden is full! I was just thinking about trying to make the purpurea smaller - it's smothering some red VFTs. Can I take off all the old pitchers without harming it? Cheers, MBE

I know what you mean, and it's heavier than I expected too. I'll probably end up swapping the wire mesh for plastic like before, but retain the steel frame. Should look better then.

Evenin' all. Latest update: I've already pulled a load of moss out, but I'm going to have to thin out some more. Lots of the VFTs are a bit smothered. The grandiflora and the purpurea are getting a bit big. Any tips for how to manage this? And my mate fabricated me a better cage, as the bamboo canes and hula hoops were threatening to fall apart. Later. MBE

I have both binata and capensis in an outside bog. No problems at all.

Thanks corky. Hopefully it will encourage people to have a go - I was pretty clueless when I started so if I can do it, anyone can. And I might yet try that tape - it can't do any harm.

Yeah, I used some on the garden last year. Did I think to use them on the barrel too?

Annual(ish) update: It just keeps getting better. One of my favourite things in the garden, and one of the best things I've made: My biggest problems are aphids sucking sap from new growth, causing distortion of the pitchers and VFTs, and baby slugs. Blue pellets would spoil the look, somewhat. It's particularly pleasing to see little baby sundews and pings popping up that have grown from seed.

Quite happy with the way this is looking at the moment: I've added a couple of pings since the last photo. Particulary pleased with the Drosera, which are springing up all over the place.

I think I might well do that - I've got plenty of it. I've got some pretty cold weather on the way from Sunday, so should probably cover up again anyway. I'll go for the fleece this time.

I just left the straw open to the elements - never crossed my mind to cover it. The only thing I don't like much is the mess it's made - fiddling little bits of straw all over the place.

I had to use straw in the end, as I couldn't get hold of the ferns. I took the straw off today, as I was a bit worried about how things were faring. Not too badly by the looks - I think most things have survived reasonably well, although I won't know for certain for a while yet. Straw's a bit messy though - there're bits all over the place.

Thanks as always Steve. This is what it looks like at the moment: I agree with your thoughts about straw - it will almost certainly end up a soggy mass on top of everything. I can get hold of some ferns without much trouble so I'll try that. Does it matter if they're green or brown? I'm sure I can find something to insulate the actual barrel. Some bubble wrap or something.

How's it looking these days then? What plans do you have to get it through the winter?

Winter approaches. So, what do I do now? How cold does it need to get before I think about putting it to bed for the winter? My first thoughts were to pile a foot or so of straw on the top of it, and then leave it be until about March. The sarracenia are looking a bit sorry for themselves - they've been blown all over the shop by the strong winds. I believe I need to cut these down to about an inch above the substrate level? Does the same go for the purpurea in the middle, or is that best left? How about the other plants? What sort of water level am I looking to maintain over winter? Some help with what to do next would be much appreciated. I'll grab a current photo tomorrow if I get chance (i.e. remember). Cheers all. MBE

A few recent photos: I also made a cage for it because I want to keep bees out as much as possible. I like bees - I have a couple of bee hotels and need them to pollinate my veg. So it's a bit of a conflict of interest if the plants keep eating them. It also keeps birds and next-door-neighbour's-children's-footballs off. I've got a bit of damage from wind, slugs and snails, but mostly it's faring pretty well I think.

Phil, Careful with the polystyrene. I did a bit of reading up on it and found that it does leach into the soil. I went against most advice and used it anyway, albeit in a tightly sealed heavy gauge plastic bag. Time will tell as to whether I get away with it or not. As a result I've probably got nearer 8" of substrate above all the gubbins inside - less in places (barrel was only 15" deep to start with). Again, time will tell if this works, but everything seems relatively ok thus far. I'll post a picture of how it looks now when I get chance over the next couple of days. HTH, MBE. Edit: photos now added to the construction thread.

Yes you may. Here. Seems a bit far from Ilkeston, but if there was something else you're after it might be worth a trip. They have a mighty fine selection of stuff. Edit: Looks like you could have it delivered for £23.93 all in.

Thank you. I think I'll just have to get used to the fact that outside sundews won't have as much dew. Especially if it keeps on raining like it has. If it's not a problem for the plant, it's not a problem for me.

Cheers. I don't think there'll be space for wood, as I have more plants to go in yet. I'm hoping the moss will spread from the little clumps that are round some of the plants, as the only other stuff I have is dead, I think.

Did a bit more planting today as nothing bad has happened to those already out:

Thanks all - I have a few questions: 1. Do I need to do anything with the Utric? Can I just leave it where it is to get on with it? 2. Can I use the moss that's growing in the old CP mix? It looks good but would like to be sure that it won't overrun the CPs. 3. I've noticed over the last few days that the drosera I've planted out have almost no "dew". Is that something I should be concerned about? It has rained, but even after a dry couple of days there was almost none. Cheers all, MBE

What are the little yellow and white flowers in with the D. binata please?

Birds don't worry me - I've netted the whole lot (primarily to keep the bumble bees from being eaten). I do have quite a few more plants awaiting transfer - I didn't want to do the lot at once in case it went pear shaped for some reason. This way I can't lose everything. Well, that's the plan. Yes, a productive day at Mike's. Sorry not to see you there, but I was away by 2pm with my haul.