Each plot makes a big difference

One good thing to come out of our enforced lockdown has been a greater appreciation and awareness of wildlife and the world around us. Although more cars are back on the roads and people are reverting to some sort of normality (whatever that means), the birdsong and hum of the bees have not gone away. There’s no question that we’re taking the time to observe nature more. And the nation’s new-found love of gardening surely means that our wildlife will benefit. While it’s true that an unkempt, overgrown garden can be a haven for all sorts of creatures, we can still look after them and a whole host more by paying our plots a bit more attention, planting up with pollinators in mind or perhaps adding a water feature. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned a feverfew plant had self-seeded in my garden and was covered in aphids; at the weekend I watched as a ladybird tucked into them as ants ran up the stem and collected their honeydew – it was quite the party!

Over the page you can find out how to become an ‘insect champion’, while on page 18 we look at plants that will bring in the butterflies.

We’ve been so heartened by the number of new readers who have contacted us through lockdown and are enjoying Garden News – it’s great to have you aboard our happy ship! And we can all rest assured that gardening can only be good news for the environment – and the effect of our own little eco-systems, when put together, can be absolutely huge. Have a great gardening week!