If you're looking to create a more sustainable home and connect with nature, creating a wildlife-friendly garden is a great place to start. We've compiled a few tips and tricks for how to begin transforming your outdoor space.
Here are some tips and tricks for creating a wildlife-friendly garden:
Choose native plants
Native plants are adapted to the local environment and provide food and shelter for local wildlife. They also require less water and maintenance than non-native species. Here are some examples of plants native to the UK:
Bluebells: A classic and iconic plant of the British woodland, bluebells produce stunning clusters of blue flowers in the spring. They prefer shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Foxgloves: Foxgloves are tall, stately plants with bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink, white, and purple. They prefer partial shade and moist soil.
Primroses: Primroses are low-growing plants with clusters of brightly colored flowers in shades of yellow, pink, and white. They prefer partial shade and moist soil.
Honeysuckle: Honeysuckle is a climbing plant with fragrant, tubular flowers in shades of pink and white. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Meadowsweet: Meadowsweet is a tall plant with feathery leaves and clusters of white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. It prefers moist soil and partial shade.
Wild garlic: Wild garlic is a low-growing plant with clusters of white flowers that bloom in the spring. It prefers shade and moist soil.
Violets: Violets are low-growing plants with heart-shaped leaves and delicate purple or white flowers that bloom in the spring. They prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Create a diverse range of habitats
The more diverse your garden, the more types of wildlife it will attract. Create different habitats such as a pond, a wildflower meadow, a shrubbery, and a bird feeding area. These different habitats will provide shelter, food, and nesting sites for a range of wildlife.
Provide food and water
Providing a source of food and water is essential for attracting wildlife to your garden. Consider planting flowers that bloom at different times of the year to provide a continuous source of nectar for bees and butterflies. Setting up a bird feeder and a bird bath will also attract a beautiful variety of birds to your garden.
Avoid using pesticides
Pesticides can harm the wildlife in your garden, including the beneficial insects that help control pests. Instead, try using natural methods to control pests, such as companion planting or netting.
Create a compost heap
Composting not only helps reduce food waste but also provides a habitat for insects and other invertebrates. These insects will help break down the organic matter in your compost, creating a nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Leave a wild corner
Leave a corner of your garden to grow wild. This will provide a habitat for a range of wildlife, including insects, birds, and small mammals. You could also add a log pile or a rockery to create additional habitats.
By following these tips and tricks, you can create a wildlife-friendly garden that will not only benefit local wildlife but also provide a beautiful and relaxing outdoor space for you to enjoy. So, grab your gardening gloves and get started!