Flowers make up perhaps the most important part of my garden,providing nectar and pollen for many insects,bees,butterflies and moths.Seed heads are left to ripen,providing winter food for birds, while looking very pretty when covered in frost!
Where possible i choose native species for my garden,as non-native species may have little or no value to wildlife.Along the same lines,it is worth noting that many cultivated varieties,such as those found in conventional nurseries,may produce less nectar than their wild counterparts.This is an important consideration,if you are trying to attract lots of butterflies,for example.
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Choosing plants carefully can give colour throughout the year |  |
At the height of summer,my garden is a hive of activity. |  |
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Climbing plants like Clematis(left),Honeysuckle and Ivy can add interest to bare walls and fences,while providing cover for nesting birds,and nectar for insects and butterflies. | Plants such as Foxglove(right),Wood Avens,Celandine and Ramsons,are good plants for a problem shady area |  |
As we move towards Spring,my thoughts turn to Wildflowers,and how i can make my garden more appealing to wildlife. I will be looking more carefully at the conditions in my garden this year:soil type,aspect,drainage etc, to maximise success when i plant new species.