Right then, let’s talk gardening! Specifically, creating a haven for our buzzing, fluttering, and chirping wildlife pals. I recently had a cracking chat with Charlie, a real gardening enthusiast with a beautiful orangery, about how he uses his to get a head start on nurturing wildlife-friendly plants from seed. Honestly, I was blown away by his setup and passion. I’m hoping to get my own orangery sorted soon so I can take the best from his experience.
Orangery as a Seed-Starting Powerhouse
Charlie explained that an orangery is basically a supercharged seed starting zone. It offers a controlled environment, protecting delicate seedlings from the unpredictable UK weather – frosty nights, torrential downpours, and scorching (sometimes!) sunshine. Think of it as a plant creche, a place where seeds can germinate and thrive before facing the big, wide world of your garden. He’s tried doing without an orangery and found his success rate was much lower with a lot more seed and plant loss. It’s the consistency of temperature and light that makes it a winner he says.
Creating the Optimal Seed-Starting Conditions
So, how does Charlie create these optimal conditions? It’s all about a bit of science and a touch of green-fingered intuition. First, temperature is key. Charlie maintains a fairly consistent temperature between 18-24°C in his orangery during the day, dropping slightly at night. He uses a thermostatically controlled heater during colder months to achieve this. Good ventilation is also essential to prevent fungal diseases, so opening the windows on warmer days or using a small fan is important. Finally, consistent moisture is key, too much and it can cause rot, too little and the seeds will dry out and fail to germinate.
Choosing the Right Seeds for Wildlife
Now, for the fun part – choosing the seeds! Charlie’s a big fan of native wildflowers like foxgloves, poppies, and cornflowers, as they attract pollinators and provide food for birds. He also grows herbs like lavender, rosemary, and borage, which are bee magnets. When selecting seeds, he always opts for organic varieties to avoid introducing harmful chemicals to his garden’s ecosystem. He also advocates buying from reputable suppliers who can guarantee seed quality and origin. Make sure you check that the seeds are the correct variety for your area. One of the best resources for advice is the RHS.
Propagating for a Wildlife Haven
Once the seedlings are big enough to handle, Charlie pricks them out into individual pots. He uses a peat-free compost, again to avoid harming the environment. As the plants grow, he gradually hardens them off by placing them outside for increasing periods each day. This acclimatises them to the outdoor conditions before planting them in their final positions in the garden. Charlie’s planting method is a testament to sustainable gardening.
Beyond the Summer Months
One of the biggest benefits of having an orangery, Charlie pointed out, is that it extends the gardening season. Even when the weather outside is miserable, he can still potter around in his orangery, tending to his plants and planning future gardening projects. He also uses it to overwinter tender plants like geraniums and fuchsias, ensuring a vibrant display the following summer. It’s a great place to sit too with a cup of tea during a cold snap. A truly great space to enjoy your garden even when you can’t be in it.
So, cultivating a wildlife-friendly garden starts with the right conditions, the right seeds, and a little bit of nurturing. An orangery provides that perfect head start, allowing you to grow plants that will attract birds, bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. With the right planning and dedication, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden that supports our local wildlife and provides endless enjoyment all year round.
