Gardens as nature reserves

4th April 2022

Gardens are our very own nature reserve right on our doorstep!  

There are many ways in which we can boost their biodiversity and make them even more environmentally friendly (space permitting).

• Let your garden grow wild at the edges

• Choose bee and insect friendly plants https://friendsoftheearth.uk/nature/beefriendly-plants-every-season   https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/pdf/conservation-and-biodiversity/wildlife/plants-for-pollinators-garden-plants.pdf

• Choose plants so that there is always something in flower throughout the year.

• Create different habitats with trees and shrubs, ground-cover and climbers

• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, slug pellets and artificial fertilisers. https://www.rhs.org.uk/prevention-protection/controlling-pests-and-diseases-without-chemicals

• Maintain plant cover over all the soil to protect; have different layers of planting. 

• Use intercropping techniques, sowing fast growing vegetables between those that need more space, eg radishes between cabbages, or eggplant daises between leeks. 

• Build a log pile https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-to-make-a-log-pile-to-provide-shelter-for-garden-wildlife.html

• Start a compost heap https://www.edenproject.com/learn/eden-at-home/how-to-make-a-compost-heap-10-top-tips

• Install a water butt 

• Create a rain garden https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/gardening-for-wetlands/how-to-make-a-rain-garden/

• Let the grass grow; add some flowering plants to create a meadow https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2019/apr/24/why-you-should-turn-lawn-into-wildflower-meadow    https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/three-ways-to-create-a-mini-meadow/

• Use compost to feed the soil. https://schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk/Resources/Activity/Use-your-home-made-compost

• Make your own potting compost https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/sites/www.gardenorganic.org.uk/files/resources/fflp/A38-Making-potting-mixes.pdf

• Encourage natural predators.       https://growing-guides.co.uk/why-its-important-to-encourage-predators-into-your-garden/   https://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/natural-pest-control-using-predators-protect-your-garden

• Provide food and water for birds https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/feeding-birds/

• Install bird boxes https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-to-make-a-bird-nesting-box.html   https://www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-families/family-wild-challenge/activities/build-a-birdbox/

• Make a bug hotel https://diygarden.co.uk/wildlife/bug-hotel/

• Leave seeds heads and dead stalks in place over winter

• Plant a tree https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/gardening-for-wildlife/plants-for-wildlife/garden-trees/

• Use hand tools rather than power tools 

• Install a bat box https://www.rspb.org.uk/get-involved/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep/garden-activities/build-a-bat-box/

• Grow plants you can eat https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own    https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/seasonal-food-and-growing

• Plant some perennial vegetables. https://perennialveg.org.uk/  https://backyardlarder.co.uk/plants/perennial-vegetables/

• Plant some soft fruit bushes or strawberries or rhubarb

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• Plant a fruit tree