





I’m really pleased next years RHS shows are having an aspect that focuses on wildlife. In spite of being surrounded by a bit of a green desert (sadly agriculture can create this when massive fields have one crop and no trees are hedgerows to speak of) I continue to be amazed how quickly you can attract wildlife to a plot. Granted mine is bigger than the average garden, but reinstating the pond that was here when we arrived, and planting lots o native hedging (along with trees) was one of the best things I have ever done.
I now have owl boxes, loads of other birds boxes (maybe 10 now), a wood pile bigger than my first flat that all sorts live in and logs drilled for loads of solitary bees. We have three different types of owls visiting (and breeding), newts, snakes, toads, hedgehogs, green woodpeckers and so on and so on. Part of me think whats the point in bird boxes as I have more nests than I know what to do with (3 in one shed at one point) but for me, wildlife isn’t a side issue for gardening, it brings me as much joy as the flowers themselves, even when I despair at the rabbits munching away.
I promised to spend the prize money from RHS Hampton Court on some more wildlife friendly stuff, so tomorrow I will be getting a swift box, bat box, another place for solitary bees and one for butterflies, while still working out how to try to balance my gardening activity and enjoyment whilst also wanting to welcome wildlife. Every day I learn a little more.