A biodiverse garden is brimming with various plant species that attract a wide range of wildlife, making it a thriving habitat for insects, birds, and other animals. It doesn't matter whether you have a small window box or a large countryside garden; you can create a haven for wildlife and contribute to supporting the diversity of our ecosystem.
Embrace a natural and untamed garden
Embrace a wild and untidy approach to gardening, as it can actually be beneficial for promoting biodiversity. Instead of striving for a perfectly manicured garden, consider letting a section or corner of your garden grow wild. This area doesn't need to be meticulously groomed as it can provide a natural habitat and food source for various species. You can also transform a patch of your garden into a mini wildflower meadow to further support biodiversity.
Take a maximalist approach
To promote biodiversity in your garden, it's important to select a diverse range of plant species. The more variety of plants you have, the greater the biodiversity, and the more likely you are to attract different types of insects and wildlife. Consider planting a mix of plants that differ in shape, color, size, and fragrance to create a dynamic and varied garden. It's also essential to choose plants that bloom and bear fruit throughout the year, ensuring that you attract a range of wildlife from spring to winter. Flowers provide insects like bees and butterflies with pollen and nectar, while fruits are a tasty treat for birds. Since insects have short lifespans and are active at different times of the year, it's a good idea to plant a mix of seasonal plants to maintain biodiversity throughout the year.
Try our biodiversity flower mix.
Consider incorporating some wildlife-friendly features
A decaying log pile that is kept in a shady area will serve as a suitable habitat for insects and fungi. A sheet of corrugated iron laid in a shaded spot can provide shelter for animals like toads, snakes, and frogs. Grass clippings and compost heaps can offer a habitat for slow worms, and if you're concerned about the appearance of these piles, you can place them in discreet corners of the garden. Adding water features like a pond or bird bath can attract various wildlife species such as birds, dragonflies, frogs. In the fall, consider leaving a section of your garden uncut to create a winter wildlife habitat.