The planting scheme for the nature garden has been devised to fit the characteristics of the site – the amount of light, the orientation and the soil quality – and its various purposes. Berries and fruit for birds; nectar for insects; hedging to provide nesting for butterflies, moths and other invertebrates.
The selected plants will be small to start, so that they adapt to the site conditions and grow to the optimal size alongside the other plants.
Shrubs
In the woodland area and glade, shrubs will provide a feast for the eyes – and for our native fauna. From the delicate cupped single light pink flowers of sweet briar to the startling orange seeds inside the red fruit of the spindle, these often overlooked gems will shine.
Perennials
With a huge variety of forms and colours, this selection of shade-suited plants will stand tall and spread wide to replicate the plants of the woodland floor. Every year they’ll return to act as a larder for summer bees and insects.
Bulbs
Few sights are as cheering as the spring bulbs, and the nature garden will be well-stocked with them. As well as helping chase away the winter blues, the nectar in the first flowers is vital for the early bumble queens.
