Right, so I’m diving back into the world of UK gardens for another piece, and this time it’s all about making our little patches havens for wildlife, even if we’re a bit strapped for cash. I’ve been nosing around articles on garden enjoyment, from landscaping tips and plant guides to orangery envy (seriously, who wouldn’t want one of those!). But what really caught my eye was how to cultivate gardens specifically for our feathered, buzzing, and fluttering friends – attracting birds, bees, butterflies, and all those beneficial insects. So, I caught up with Lewis, a keen gardener with a budget tighter than my jeans after Christmas, to get the lowdown.
“Alright, Lewis,” I started, settling into a deck chair on his (surprisingly vibrant) patio. “Tell me, how on earth do you manage such a wildlife-friendly garden without emptying your bank account?”
Lewis chuckled, “It’s all about being savvy, really! First off, forget the fancy garden centre plants. Propagate! Cuttings are your best friend. Take cuttings from friends’ gardens (always ask politely!), or even from roadside shrubs. Willow, lavender, rosemary – they all strike easily. Look up some guides online; there are loads! You can get small propagating trays from the pound shop, or just use old yogurt pots. The important thing is to keep the cuttings moist and in a bright spot, but not in direct sunlight. I managed to propagate about fifty lavender cuttings last year!”
I was impressed. “Fifty! That’s incredible! What about attracting specific creatures?”
“Okay, so for birds, it’s simple: food, water, and shelter. Bird feeders are a good start, but you can also attract them by planting berry-bearing shrubs like hawthorn and rowan. You can get small rowan saplings for almost nothing online, or even forage rowan berries in autumn and try to grow them! Just make sure you have permission if it’s not your land! Water is crucial – a simple bird bath, kept clean, is perfect. Shelter? That’s where hedges and dense shrubs come in. I have a lovely, messy hedge (much to my neighbour’s dismay, haha!), but the birds love it.”
“And what about the buzz brigade – the bees and butterflies?”
Lewis beamed. “Ah, the pollinators! They’re my favourite. For them, it’s all about the right plants. Forget those sterile, double-flowered varieties; go for single flowers that are packed with nectar and pollen. Buddlejas, of course, are butterfly magnets, but you can get them cheaply, or even grow them from cuttings! Then there are herbs like thyme, oregano, and borage. Bees adore them, and you can use them in your cooking too! Grow them in old wellington boots that you can buy for peanuts from car boot sales. And remember, let some of your lawn grow long – dandelions and clover are vital for bees early in the year. Forget manicured lawns – embrace the wild!”
“What about garden pests? Do you use any pesticides?”
Lewis looked horrified. “Absolutely not! Pesticides kill everything, including the beneficial insects. Encourage natural predators like ladybirds and lacewings by planting things like fennel and dill. They attract aphids, which then attract the ladybirds! It’s all about creating a balanced ecosystem. You can buy ladybird larvae online if you are really struggling, but I haven’t needed to. And for slugs and snails, beer traps work a treat, and you get to enjoy the beer beforehand!”
“Okay, so you’ve mentioned cuttings, free plants, and foraging. What about recycled materials? Do you use those in your garden?”
“Definitely! Old tyres make great planters – just paint them up to make them look nicer. Pallets can be transformed into raised beds or vertical planters. Bricks and paving slabs can be salvaged from skips (again, ask permission first!). Be creative! One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, as they say!”
“This all sounds amazing, Lewis. Any last tips for our readers?”
“Yeah! Get involved in community gardening! It’s a fantastic way to share resources, swap plants, and learn from other gardeners. Look for local gardening groups or allotment associations. And remember, gardening should be fun! Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Even a small patch of wildflowers can make a big difference to wildlife, and it will bring you so much joy. An Orangery really enhances the enjoyment of your garden but isn’t essential to attract nature to your space. Enjoy the fruits (and vegetables, and flowers!) of your labour and relax in the knowledge that you are doing your bit for the planet!”
So, there you have it. Creating a wildlife-friendly garden doesn’t require a massive budget. By embracing propagation, utilising recycled materials, sourcing free resources, and focusing on the right plants, anyone can create a haven for birds, bees, and butterflies. Community gardening and sharing resources further enhance the experience, making it a truly rewarding and sustainable endeavour. It’s about being resourceful, embracing the wild, and finding joy in the simple things. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be sipping tea in your own Orangery, overlooking your thriving wildlife garden. A gardener can but dream.
