The Natural Gardener
Our garden revamp this December is, quite frankly, long overdue. This is no simple winter tidy up; we’re going for a full-on redesign and rearrangement. Our oddly-shaped plot just isn’t used to its utmost potential and before spring arrives we want to turn it into a suburban haven – one that will benefit us and our garden guests, both human, canine and wildlife. Yes, we want it all: ample space to park, drink gin on a summer’s evening, barbecue, play fetch with the dog, grow flowers, fruit and veg and invite birds, insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians to enjoy it with us. Surely not too much to ask!
But is this possible in a relatively small town garden? Can you really have it all? Can you create a reduced maintenance, stylish lifestyle garden that’s also wildlifefriendly? Well I think you can. I’ve been hesitant, worried that the flourishing wildlife garden I’ve carefully created over the last few years will vanish, and that my quest for an all-singing, all-dancing, fresh and snazzy plot will leave no room for my much-loved pollinators, birds, and everything else that visits in abundance through the year. But its outdated, space-wasting current state has to change, so I’ve taken the plunge and resolved that the key to transforming a garden sensitively is to always keep nature at the forefront of your mind when planning it.
So, how to redesign your garden and not turn it into a car park, devoid of life? Put pen to paper for starters, making lists of features you’d like – why not also get the coloured pencils out and do a little drawing on paper? Note where the sun meets your plot, how much greenery you want to tend to, and where a tree (or two) might go? You can take this rough design and take it to a sympathetic local landscaper, but a good tip is to engage a garden designer. This needn’t break the bank, and you might even know of a friend who has creative flair in this regard. A designer, though, will magically take all your wishes and turn it into your dream garden, keeping your needs (wildlife features, bin storage, space for a compost heap, dog-proof fencing) at the forefront of their mind.
I’ve had to remove some hedge to fit in a new driveway – something I hate to do – but I’m adding more elsewhere to make up for it. I have some small flower and berry trees planned and made room for flower-crammed raised and ground beds, lots of lawn, shrubs and a sprinkling of pots. It will be easier maintenance without compromising nature, which is welcome in every shape and form on my plot.