On the Wild Side

gardens are far too tidy and manicured for much wildlife. A wild patch can be created in a corner of the garden, an area that is relatively undisturbed but still requiring managing in some way if is it not to take over. This might take the form of a hedge with a 'weedy' bottom, or a wild flower area where local native plants can flower and seed themselves, removing the more vigorous plants to ensure something of a balance and to stop encroachment on the main garden itself. My own 'wild patch' consists of a hedge and the surrounding area where wild plants flourish, supplemented with other garden plants, such as berry bearing shrubs, for example, cotoneaster, holly and ivy, together with hardy cyclamen that thrive in shady areas.

Ivy I know has something of bad reputation where gardeners are concerned, but that need not be the case if it is managed properly, it provides both nectar, fruit and nesting places for many birds and insects.

If a pond is incorporated, you will of course have wonderful opportunity to grow all sorts of water loving plants, perhaps including some well known and lovely plants such as, marsh marigold, irises, watermint, arum lilies, ferns, astilbes, water forget-me-knot and water lilies at the deepest point. Some sort of shelf will have to be created for these marginal plants. Don't forget oxygenating plants, they keep the balance of the pond just right, helping to keep the water healthy and its inhabitants. A pond liner is probably the best and cheapest way to create your pond, it also allows you to choose whatever shape you want. Also, create a sloping edge if possible so visiting birds and other animals can get in and out without too much difficulty.

In the garden proper, single-flowering varieties of plants are what to aim for. Herbaceous perennials and annuals such as michaelmas daises, nasturtiums, phlox, dianthus, asters, aubretia, teazels, valerian, sedums and cornflowers to name but a few. Shrubs to consider would be escallonias, various buddelias, berberis, honeysuckles, ornamental thistles, lavender, crab apples, wild roses, sage, hebes and many berry-bearing plants such as yew, cotoneasters, and holly. Don't be too eager to dead-head plants in the borders when autumn comes along, many birds will feed on the

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