On the Wild Side

the spent flower heads for seeds, not only that, but frost and snow will conspire to create some wonderful shapes and effects on the dead stems. If your garden is large enough to have at least one large tree that would be a great bonus, providing architectural shape to the garden and perching and singing posts, plus nesting sites for many birds.

Finally, the walls of the house must not be forgotten. Clematis, pyracantha, single-flowered roses can all be grown and help to soften those hard surfaces.

Our gardens are sanctuaries not only for us humans but also for wildlife. I love my garden and delight in its animal inhabitants, be they bird, worm or insect. I wouldn't exchange it for a wilderness plot, because it would not be half as interesting. Kipling's words might have been written about wildlife gardens. 'Such gardens are not made by singing "Oh, how beautiful!" and sitting in the shade'.

Graham Leatherbarrow.
September, 1999.

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English Town Gardening comes to you from Cheshire in north-west England, Zone 8.

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