Brief
Jane and Sally have a deep love of wildlife and wanted a garden that would feel relaxed, natural, and full of life. Their wish list included a small pond, some fruit trees, a long grassy area, and planting that would provide year-round interest for both people and wildlife.
Design approach
Rather than re-shaping the garden, the focus was on enhancing what was already there. The existing thick hedges, grassy areas, and dead wood provided excellent shelter and food sources for invertebrates, as well as natural support for climbing plants. To build on this, we introduced a variety of perennials into the existing borders, along with small shrubs and trees along one side of the garden. The grassy area was enriched with additional planting, and a new native hedge was established to screen the compost area. A small pond was dug and planted to create a valuable habitat for aquatic and marginal species.
Planting choices were guided by their value to wildlife, offering pollen and nectar for pollinators, shelter and nesting opportunities, and food sources across the seasons. Knowing that deer occasionally visit, we protected young trees and shrubs with guards, ensuring they could establish without discouraging the deer from passing through.
Outcome
The garden was already rich in wildlife, but the new layers of planting have encouraged even more activity, particularly an increase in birdlife drawn by the greater abundance of invertebrates. As the planting matures, the garden will continue to evolve, with opportunities to divide, replant, and weave in new species over time, keeping it dynamic, wildlife-friendly, and full of interest throughout the year.
