Scottish Allotments and Gardens Society

Whether you are thinking about converting part of an established garden
to help wildlife or creating a garden from scratch, both can seem daunting.
So start in a small way by introducing a few wildflowers or shrubs into
the border and put up a bird table to lure extra visitors into the garden.
This will then give you an extra incentive to perhaps add other features
such as a small pond or if there are children around, a bog garden.

If you have a new piece of land start by measuring the layout and
plotting it onto a graph paper (available from a stationers).
Use a scale rule to get your garden size onto paper i.e, 1:50=1 inch to
50 inches or 1cm. to 50 cm for a medium garden.

Mark the fixed features that will be staying such as -shed, tree etc.,
and which way the sun shines on your garden.
Plot in any shady corners, slopes and which way walls or fences are
facing i. e. south.

Buy a soil testing kit - available from garden centres and do a few tests
from various parts of the garden to find out what type of soil you have as
this may affect which type of plants you can grow.

Looking at other gardens and the surrounding countryside will help give
you ideas on what could be suitable.
But if you have neighbours remember whatever you plant e.g., Oak tree
will affect the sunlight they receive in their garden as will buildings and
trees on their plot affect you.

TREES- A spot should be found for a tree even in the smallest garden, it
will provide shade, shelter for birds and give a mature look to the plot.
If you have a large garden plant a small coppice of native trees and
shrubs for wind protection.
Remember to give room for expansion and the shading effect they will
have as they mature.

BORDERS- Site your border in a sunny, well-drained and sheltered area;
a mixed planting of perennials and shrubs will provide nectar, berries,
seeds and shelter for wildlife.
Avoid areas subjected to cool winds and north and east facing aspects
where climatic conditions are harsher.

PONDS- finding the correct site for your pond is very important, so take
time to think the problem through.
   It needs to be in sunshine for as long as possible during the day to keep
plants and wildlife healthy.
   Check where essential service pipes are before you start digging i.e.
drains, cables.
   Roots from nearby trees could damage the pond, keep ample space
between the two and remember leaves falling into the water and not
removed could cause the water to stagnate.

   Make a soak-away area to allow for water over-spill in very wet
weather, ensuring that it will not affect you or your neighbours property.
   Always check levels especially on a sloping area as the pond liner
could be exposed in drier times.
   Try siting it near an area such as a meadow where wildlife can easily
visit the water and return to shelter.
   Have a gently sloping side allowing easy access for wildlife and an area
of hard paving where you can pond dip in safety.

GRASS/ meadow- Convert part of a lawn to include wildflowers; for
example problem areas such as shady, too wet or dry.
Try forming a link with other habitats for example between a formal
lawn and the hedge.
If the area is large, keep mown paths through the site giving access
without destroying flowering plants or disturbing wildlife.

HEDGES- Plant native hedging along part of your perimeter, not only
will it give all year round interest when herbaceous plants are dormant
but will also provide food and shelter for wildlife.
Depending on how much room you have it could just a clump of shrubs
or a full mixed planting hedge.

CONTAINERS- Try planting a few favourites flowers in a container,
this is especially useful when soil conditions are not quite right for them
to grow in and allows you to place the plants where they look at there best.
Pick a container which will set off the flowers; natural materials are
best - a hollowed out log looks very attractive planted up with woodland
plants such as Primrose and Wood Anemone.

BIRD BOXES- Encourage bird visitors by putting up a few boxes, this is
best done in the Autumn allowing time for birds to get used to them before
using them in the Spring.
   Site them so that the hole is away from the prevailing wind and rain and
is also protected from the sun.
   Ensure that nearby branches do not allow predators near the box.
   Any nest box must be at least 2 metres/ 6-7 ft. above ground level to
give privacy and a degree of safety to nesting birds.

PATHS/PAVING- Whatever the size of your plot, a firm walking surface
or sitting area is a general requirement in most gardens, this is especially
important when it is used by people of all ages.
Use indigenous materials such as natural stone, slate or brick.
Why not try "second hand" bought from a supplier this will help cut
costs, and the materials will have the mellow weathered look that will
go well with a wildlife garden.

Invertebrates will love the cool, protected environment and plantings
of wild flowers interspersed with the paving will take away the starkness
of bare stone.
Try gravel made from the same stone as your paving as a "weed"
suppressant and as a home for self seeding wildflowers, herbs or cottage
garden plants.

PEOPLE- Remember to make the garden people friendly too, sheltered
areas with seating arrangements and drifts of aromatic plants, grassy
play areas for children of all ages, raised beds for easy on the back "pottering",
Grow herbs near the back door where they will be in a handy spot for
budding chefs.
Think about safety for all visitors; well-defined paths, water features
safe for children and nothing placed where someone could trip over or
walk into.

Lastly, enjoy the garden, take time to watch the birds and relax in an
atmosphere which you have helped create,---- Good Luck!