Aim high for nature Plant wildlife
Plant wildlife-friendly climbers for colour, height, nectar and nesting sites. Adrian Thomas reveals the ones to go for
friendly climbers for colour, height, nectar and nesting sites. We reveal the plants to go for
How lucky we gardeners are that some plants evolved not to stand on their own two feet, but to haul themselves up vertical surfaces! Some became rock-climbers, scrambling up cliff faces, while others turned into lumberjacks, winding their way up the living support of trees. By learning to climb, they could rise above all the competition down at ground level and pop their heads into the light, reaching new heights that their slender stems just wouldn’t be able to take them unaided.
Plants’ ability to climb is a trait we can put to full use in the garden. Growing them up walls, fences, obelisks, pergolas or the outside of our houses allows us to dramatically increase the volume of leaf and flower we can grow, filling in the 3D canvas. You can even grow them up and through garden trees. Using the vertical space like this is something that can improve every garden but is especially useful where space is at a premium. ➤
Alongside all the enjoyment we get, climbers can also be a boon for wildlife. They help us turn grey spaces green and fulfil the basic equation that ‘more plants equals more wildlife’. We can further boost the benefit by ensuring we choose climbers that offer: l Woody stems Those climbers with a permanent network of sturdy growth create a strong framework that can support all sorts of bird roosting and nesting sites. l Dense foliage Leaves offer a wealth of hiding places for insects, and hence become a hunting ground for birds such as tits and wrens seeking to winkle them out. l Evergreen foliage This provides cover all year and is an ideal place for birds to roost in winter where they’re shielded from the worst of the weather. Some butterflies also roost in such dense cover. l Deciduous leaves On the f lip side, these are often more palatable to wildlife. Don’t worry, any feeding damage is likely to be unnoticeable on such tall, spreading plants! l Nectar-rich blossom Some climbing plants have flowers full of pollen and nectar. Go for single-flowered climbing roses and smaller-flowered clematis over blowsy ones with hard-to-find stamens and nectaries. l Some climbing plants extend their bounty for wildlife by producing succulent fruit. Ivy has dark berries stuffed with fat. The bright red berres of native honeysuckle are less plentiful but attractively glassy. l Seedheads The fluffy seedheads of some clematis, if left in place until spring, provide soft bedding for nesting birds.
What’s more, if you festoon the walls of your house with climbers, the microclimate against the warm brickwork can be like an electric blanket for wildlife. It also helps insulate your house, keeping it warmer in winter and reflecting harsh summer heat.
If you can, aim for house or tree height with your climbers. Many birds are happier hunting above the danger zone where cats might lurk. And don’t worry if your growing surface is north-facing or in shade – many climbers evolved in woodlands so that’s exactly what they crave, and nesting birds usually prefer such spots. Plenty of climbers are well suited to being blasted by sunshine too, so there’s a climber for every situation.
With climbers, don’t waste a single surface. You’ll have great enjoyment watching them make a dash for the skies, and wildlife will thank you in abundance. ✿
Many birds are much happier hunting way above the danger zone