Our gardens are a real sanctuary for small mammals, birds and insects at this time of year. Sally Petitt suggests some easy ways we can help them thrive
Plant images by Howard Rice
In autumn, cotoneaster produces a wealth of berries, which are
a treat for birds
Our gardens are a reflection of our personal horticultural interests, whether it be a simple, neatly mown lawn, a horticultural paradise rammed with exotic species or a series of raised vegetable beds. But have you ever wondered how your own plot might benefit others? I’m not suggesting you open your garden to neighbours and passers-by, but perhaps consider how it might support wildlife?
My reasons for gardening are numerous. They include having a nice spot to sit on a summer’s evening, and simply taking pleasure in the process. But I don’t think I’d enjoy my garden half as much if there were no wildlife.
It’s fascinating watching bees skip from one flower to another in search of nectar during the summer, and discovering a hedgehog in the garden is a truly joyous moment. I don’t particularly consider that I have a ‘wildlife garden’, but by adopting a few simple wildlife-friendly practices I benefit from observing and enjoying a host of insects, birds, mammals and invertebrates, and this can only benefit my garden and neighbourhood.
Doing our bit
No matter the size, shape or style of garden, you’re already supporting wildlife. A well-manicured lawn is a useful habitat for nesting mining bees or June bugs, but allowing even a small area of lawn to grow out encourages a greater diversity of grass species, which serves as a food source for caterpillars of native butterflies such as the meadow brown. An easy biodiversity gain.
It’s easy to spot wildlife in our gardens over the summer, but even in winter they are attractive to animals. Many of us feed birds to encourage them into our gardens, or have ivy (Hedera helix) whose globular flowerheads provide a valuable food source for winter-foraging bees. There are other winter-flowering plants that support insects during the colder months, too, including Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape), Sarcococca confusa (winter box), winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) and snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis).
Leaving the seed heads of herbaceous perennials such as Turkish sage (Phlomis russeliana), teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) or ornamental grass through winter provides a habitat for overwintering insects such as wood lice, bees, ladybirds and lace wings, and the seed is a source of food for birds such as goldfinches. As an added benefit, you can enjoy the dramatic effect of hoar frost on these architectural seed heads.
Berry-bearing plants also offer a valuable food source for wildlife. Rowan, hawthorn, viburnum and cotoneaster berries are highly sought-after by waxwings, while blackbirds, bullfinches and redwings are partial to ivy berries and holly berries are a favourite with greenfinches. A small pond can provide refuge for frogs and serve as an important source of water for wildlife, as can a low, shallow bird bath, which can be as basic as a dish.
Supporting wildlife isn’t only about providing food; gardens also provide habitat and shelter. Evergreen shrubs and climbers offer winter protection to a range of insects and birds. A bit of untidiness is also a good thing for wildlife. Waste wood can be used to create a log pile or a dead hedge in which invertebrates, amphibians, hedgehogs and small birds can take cover. Fallen leaves needn’t be cleared away either, but instead swept into piles among established plantings to decay slowly and create winter shelter for a host of wildlife.
Every little helps
As you can see, methods to attract a greater diversity of wildlife into your garden can be relatively easy. Whether you simply leave the seed heads of herbaceous plants standing over winter or go all out and create a wildlife garden is up to you.
For those inclined to a well-manicured approach, planting just a couple of snowdrops in a shaded corner will encourage bees to visit your plot in the depths of winter. And if you’re more relaxed in your approach to gardening, leaving flower stems and piles of fallen leaves for food and shelter for wildlife through the winter has great appeal.
Here in the Botanic Garden, we have formal, intensely cultivated plantings alongside wilder areas. We are proud of the rich biodiversity our visitors can enjoy, which includes bees, dragonflies, kingfishers, grass snakes and even foxes and badgers. None of this would be possible in a completely sterile garden.
By taking a few simple steps, you can quickly start attracting a variety of wildlife into your garden this winter.
Gardening jobs for November
- Encourage wildlife – add a shallow bird bath to your garden to encourage feathered visitors or leave the stems of herbaceous plants to provide shelter for insects and food for birds.
- Plant trees and shrubs while the soil is still warm and moist to help them establish a good root system before coming into growth.
- Plant tulip bulbs in November and December to reduce the risk of the fungal disease, tulip fire.
- Dig new beds and mulch existing ones with well-rotted compost or leaf mould to improve soil health, retain moisture and reduce weeds.
Golden rules for wildlife gardening
- Create log piles to provide shelter for a range of wildlife.
- Check bonfires for hedgehogs etc before lighting them.
- Look out for signs of animals when turning compost heaps or moving leaf piles.
- Melt a hole in frozen water daily to allow wildlife access to air and water.
- Regularly clean bird feeders to prevent the spread of disease.
Sally Petitt is head of horticulture at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. From gardens for the senses to beds of roses, explore more of Sally’s gardening tips.
