When I moved into my current house, the garden consisted of a lawn, decking and two unhappy looking shrubs. It was lacking in character and plants but also, completely lacking in wildlife. No insects, no birds, no mammals. A year (and many plants) later, the garden is buzzing with bees and other insects, birds are hopping around in the shrubs and much to my joy, a family of hedgehogs has moved in. If this is your dream too, read on for a few tips on how to create a wildlife garden.
Plants for pollinators
Insects are probably the easiest thing to encourage into your garden as all they want is a bit of pollen! A variety of insects are important for pollination and also tempt birds to visit. Having plants that flower at different times of the year is key so that there is nectar and pollen available year round.
Great plants for pollinators:
Apple (Malus)
Buddleia
Calendula (common marigold)
Centaurea (Cornflower/knapweed)
Crocus
Euphorbia
Hawthorn
Heather
Hebe
Honeysuckle
Lavender
Mahonia
Poppy
Salvia
For a comprehensive list, the RHS has great resources: www.rhs.org.uk/science/pdf/conservation-and-biodiversity/wildlife/plants-for-pollinators-garden-plants.pdf
Leave the chemicals behind!
Put simply, the more man-made chemicals you use in your garden, the more wildlife you will harm. Insects, slugs and snails are a feast for birds and other larger wildlife. Without the insects, you won't get the larger wildlife or you will harm them as the chemicals build up in their bodies.
Bug hotels
Whether you buy a smart little bug hotel or just leave a pile of twigs and stones in a corner, both can make a cosy home for bugs and bees.
Be more messy!
If you want an excuse to spend less time maintaining your garden, wildlife is it. Leaving areas of long grass, keeping a pile of twigs and leaving seedheads on plants over winter are all small things you can do to encourage the wildlife and provide habitats for them year round.
Give hedgehogs a hand
Sadly, there's been a decline of between 30-75% of rural hedgehogs since 2000 (in the UK). Hedgehogs roam between 1-2km each night during their active season so ensuring there is access between gardens is important. You can cut a small hole in your fence/wall (around 13cm x 13cm) to enable hedgehogs to access a wider area.
If you have a pond, make sure there is a ramp for hedgehogs to climb out easily.
Feed the birds
Feeding birds all year round, but especially during the winter will really help them flourish. In autumn and winter, feed birds every day with high energy foods such as fat balls and put fresh water out for them. In the summer, birds need protein foods such as black sunflower seeds, pinhead oatmeal, mealworms and good seed mixtures without loose peanuts. For a full list of suitable foods for birds, see the RSPB website: www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/feeding-birds/safe-food-for-birds/
If you would like a hand creating the wildlife garden of your dream, I can provide either a one off advice session or a garden re-design depending on your needs.
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