Wild About Gardens, for the benefit of people and wildlife

Flower borders

Our choice of plants in the garden can have a significant impact on the wildlife we attract into the garden and the greater variety of plants we grow, the more possibilities we offer wildlife.

For best effect, nectar-rich borders for bees and butterflies should be situated in a sunny, sheltered position. It may be necessary to plant a wind-break or shelter belt in exposed gardens. Ideally, plant groups of individual flowers, rather than single specimens, to ensure that visiting insects find them easily.

Plants should be chosen that flower at different times throughout the year to ensure a continuous supply of nectar throughout the season.

Include some cottage garden plants or old varieties as, unlike some highly cultivated varieties, these generally have flowers with simple structures and their pollen and nectar is more readily available to foraging insects.

Patios and paved areas

Cracks and gaps between paving slabs create another valuable habitat for wildlife and there are many low-growing plants that will happily live in the gaps. Not only do they add interest to a flat area of the garden, they also provide shelter and food for wildlife. Many of the same plants will also thrive in rockeries and can be planted in stone.

Patio / paving plants

Ponds and water features

One of the best ways of encouraging wildlife into a garden is to build a pond. This can be anything form an old sink to a specially created wildlife pond. If a pond is not practical, then a simple bubble fountain will provide water for animals to drink and bathe.

Marsh/boggy area

If one area of your garden is boggy, take advantage of it by planting moisture-loving plants and create another habitat. A marshy area can also be incorporated into a plan for a pond, and is a good way of using up spare pieces of pond liner trimmed from the pond edges.return to page 1 >>

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