You can create a wildlife corner in even the smallest garden, and it doesn’t have to be a patch of unmown grass or a scrambling scrub thicket.
A single, large container will suffice, containing plants to attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other insects. The display will provide shelter for insects to roost or hibernate, food plants for various caterpillars, and sources of nectar for pollinating insects.
We created a scheme of nectar-rich nepeta, lavenders, geranium, polemonium, salvia and achillea to support a range of pollinating insects. To make the pot absolutely irresistible we added two ‘bee hotels’ to provide nesting opportunities for solitary bees.
If you’re new to wildlife gardening or are just starting to create one, be sure to check out these six essential features of a wildlife garden.
Discover how to plant up this pretty and nectar-rich container display, below.
Sit the pot in position, then place a layer of yogurt pots or crocks to aid drainage. Part-fill with compost.
Add the plants, placing the taller ones at the back and the lower growing species at the front. Top up with compost and water well.
To make the two bee hotels, drill several deep, 5-8mm wide holes into a 15-20cm long log, and fill an off-cut of drainpipe with lengths of bamboo. Place among the plants.
If you live in an apartment or high-rise and don’t have access to gardening space, you may think your only option for obtaining fresh lettuce is at the local market. Think again! You can grow homegrown salad greens in the same amount of space as a spider plant or philodendron. The secret is cultivating lettuce in hanging baskets. Hanging Container Lettuce Hanging basket lettuce makes an attractive accent to any home or office and takes up virtually no floor
We’ve planted up this verdigris coloured container with a contrasting mix of succulent plants that will thrive in a sunny spot. The display is finished with a crushed grit mulch that sets off the plants to perfection and aids drainage. More container gardening inspiration: 12 of the best succulents to grow How to grow succulents How to grow echeveria Find out more about how we planted up this colourful succulent container display and how to care for i
Making your own natural festive decorations, particularly wreaths, is a wonderful festive activity. Katie Smyth and Terri Chandler love to forage for seasonal materials and to incorporate bounty they have harvested and dried throughout the year into their wreaths. There’s a surprising amount of greenery even in winter, so keep your eyes peeled when on winter walks – just don’t gather plants from protected sites. Look for ingredients that will keep their shape as they dry out, so your wreaths wil
Weve made how to plant a herb pot look easy with our step-by-step guide. Creating a herb container is a great starting point for you to begin trying to grow your own edibles. They are excellent container plants and when potted up they can be placed on a patio or balcony, so it doesnt matter about the size of your garden. And even if you have no outdoor space they can be grown inside on a windowsill. Plug plants and larger potted herbs are widely available from garden centers and online, bu