Creating A Wildlife Garden - The Landscapers Register

Instead of spending a great deal of time and money carefully landscaping your garden, and spending a great deal more time and money trying to keep it that way; why not work in accordance with nature and create a comfortable haven for wildlife?

Many natural habitats for wildlife have been taken over by modern developments, and there are a variety of pollutants and pesticides now choking the air. It is easy even for the smallest garden to make some changes that will encourage native species of birds, bees and butterflies to visit or settle in your garden and bring back some harmony in nature. Exotic imported plant species do not always encourage wildlife as they are not known to the native ecosystem. There are now many landscape designers who will be able to advise you and help you construct a garden dedicated to wildlife.

Trees, hedges, flower beds, walls and sheds can all become a hotspot for wildlife activity, so go easy on the shears and set aside the lawnmower, and create a landscape of life.

How does your garden grow? Getting your garden started

Forget attentive landscaping and cultivated planting schemes. They key to designing a wildlife garden is not too be too tidy. You don't have to mow the lawn every week, or conscientiously sweep beneath the hedge; allow the garden to grow a little.

To protect the fledging landscape, refrain from using pesticides when creating and caring for your garden. This small measure will be very pleasing for all manner of wildlife. Also, be prepared that a natural garden will inevitably involve the growth of weeds. Although bear in mind that dandelion seeds attract goldfinches and greenfinches before you try to remove them. After all, it is said that a weed is just a flower in the wrong place!

Wildflowers: Planting some wildflower species will encourage insects and in turn, birds and other creatures. Try red campion under a hedge, or purple loosestrife by a pond.

Borders: Nectar borders are a haven for many insects, including butterflies. Select your nectar plants by consulting a book or internet resource.

Trees: Native trees like the rowan are ideal, but ornamental crab apples are also a good draw for the seeds and as a place to roost. Don't plant them too near your pond.

Hedges: As well as providing a good food source, hedges are also a favoured nest location for some birds. Try planting hawthorn and blackthorn along with hazel and dogwood.

Meadows: Make your own meadow however small your lawn. Nurture long grass sewn with meadow flowers to attract smaller butterflies and other insects.

Water: Think about installing a water feature in your garden. A shallow bath is ideal for birds and even small animals to drink and bathe. To attract an even bigger variety of wildlife however, dedicate some space in your landscape to creating a pond.

To make your pond, first choose a sunny part of the garden that is not under any overhanging trees. Dig your pond's hole around 77cm deep, but keep the edges shallow for your plants and leave areas that are easily accessible for animals. Before laying in your top layer butyl rubber liner, remove all stones from the pond area and line it with sand or an aquatic underlay. Once the butyl liner is in place, fold under the edges and cover the surface with turf. As an alternative, a specially-made wildlife pond can be purchased from a good garden centre.

Once your pond is prepared, the next step is to fill it with water and then leave it for a week to settle. Then, start to introduce your native plant selection, including submerged plants that will help to oxygenate the water, floating leaf plants that will shade out algae, and plants that stand up from the water in boggy areas which will protect dragonfly larvae. A fountain or dripping water feature can be added to your pond which will help to oxygenate the water.

If a pond sounds too time consuming or if it presents a danger to young children, you can create a marsh wetland area in your garden instead. Again, choose a spot away from overhanging trees that is on level ground, and dig a gently sloping pit to a depth of around 45 to 60cm, with a shelf around the edges that is 15cm wide and 5 to 8cm deep. Remove all sharp stones and line it with sand or aquatic underlay followed by the butyl liner. In the deepest part, make several drainage holes and then fill the pit with a water retentive soil. The edges of the lining can either be hidden with this soil or with some turf.

Once ready, water the soil heavily and plant some good wetland species like bogbean, oxlip and globe flower.

Butterflies

To create butterfly heaven, create some border bedding of nectar plants. Find the spot that gets the most sun and warmth and try to plant as many types of nectar plant as you can. Ideally the number should over 30, containing a mixture of flowers for all seasons. Evergreen climbers, ivy, and hedges provide good shelter for hibernating butterflies as well as acting as a wind break. Conifers should be avoided in this area. Overgrown grass may attract the declining Grizzled Skipper.

Appropriate plants for your nectar border include buddleia davidii, marjoram and drumstick primulas.

Birds

Plant a variety of garden plants that will provide shelter, seeds and berries. These will also play host to insects that will help feed the birds. Try ivy and berberis which blackbirds are particularly fond of, while a yew tree may also draw badgers.