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 graph paper (available from stationers). Use
a scale
rule to get your garden size onto paper i.e, 1:50 =1 inch to 50
inches
or 1 cm. to 50 cm. for a medium garden.
Mark the 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.
IDEAS
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 subject to
cool
winds and north and east facing aspects where climactic 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 your or your neighbours
property. Always check levels especially on a sloping area as
the
pond liner could be exposed on 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 land 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 be 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
their 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 meters/ 6-7 ft. above
the
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 wildflowers 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!
