Tales from Titchmarsh

Despite flattened tulips, disappearing newts and decimated cherry blossom, we should cherish the wildlife in our gardens, says Alan

- Alan

Be careful what you wish for, especially if you consider yourself a wildlife gardener. I mean, who doesn’t nowadays? To do otherwise would invite the wrath of anyone with the merest hint of respect for the natural world, not to mention the future of the planet. But there are unseen repercussions when it comes to being kind to our fellow creatures; in particular, the lack of available choice.

You see, you can't just make a list and hope that the Almighty will answer your prayers and send you butterflies like the Large Blue, the Camberwell Beauty, the Swallowtail and the Purple Emperor (all exceedingly rare). 'Fraid not. You see, he has far more Large and Small Whites at his disposal - the kind that love your brassicas - and not enough of the aforementioned choice species to go round. In other words, you can't actually choose which wildlife you want to attract. On the contrary, it chooses you.