gardens that give

PUT BIODIVERSITY AT THE FOREFRONT WHEN PLANTING YOUR PLOT

- HUGH METCALF

A wildflower planted roof, specified by Fraher & Findlay

There are compelling reasons why it pays to be mindful with planting and the good news for those of us who like easy-care gardening is that there are simple ways to a wildlife-friendly space.

'The climate emergency and increasing urbanisation is driving a biodiversity crisis, with many species in decline, particularly insects,' says garden designer Tom Massey. We can all help by providing habitat and food sources in our gardens to support local wildlife. This means choosing flowers and planting not just on good looks alone considering instead their shelter-giving properties, potential for habitat and the food they provide, whether flowers, berries or fruit.