As gardeners, we have a unique opportunity to create a space that not only looks beautiful but also serves as a sanctuary for wildlife. By including plants that attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife, we can help support local ecosystems and promote biodiversity.
Cat Mint – Nepeta Racemosa is a great option for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. Not only is it beautiful with its purple flowers, but it also has a lovely scent. This plant is easy to grow and can thrive in full sun or partial shade.
Dutch Lavender – Lavandula intermedia Gros Bleu is a classic garden plant known for its beautiful scent and lovely purple flowers. Dutch Lavender is a hardy variety that attracts bees and butterflies. It needs full sun and well-draining soil to thrive.
Pussy Willow – Salix Capraea is a shrub that produces fuzzy catkins in the spring. These catkins provide food for early emerging bees and butterflies. This shrub is easy to grow and can tolerate wet soil conditions.
Marjoram – Origanum vulgare herb is a great option for attracting bees and butterflies to your garden. It produces beautiful pink flowers in the summer and has a lovely scent. Marjoram is easy to grow and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Giant Hyssop – Agastache foeniculum is a beautiful plant with purple flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It’s also a great source of nectar. This plant needs full sun and well-draining soil to thrive.
Buddleia – Buddleja davidii is commonly known as the butterfly bush, Buddleia is a must-have for any wildlife garden. Its long, fragrant blooms are irresistible to butterflies and moths, while also attracting bees and other pollinators. Moreover, the dense, bushy habit of Buddleia provides excellent cover for smaller wildlife such as mice and birds.
Sunflowers – Helianthus are a great choice for not only providing a bold splash of colour in your garden but also for attracting birds and bees. The large, open flowers and plentiful seeds are particularly appealing to species such as goldfinches and house sparrows. Additionally, sunflowers can also attract bees and other pollinators, making them a great addition to any wildlife garden.
Ivy – Hedera helix is often considered a nuisance plant, ivy can actually be incredibly beneficial to wildlife. As a late-flowering plant, ivy provides a vital source of nectar and pollen in the autumn months when other plants have finished blooming. Additionally, the dense foliage of ivy can provide vital shelter for birds and insects throughout the year.
Including wildlife-friendly plants in your garden is not only a fantastic way to promote biodiversity, but it also provides a chance to enjoy the beauty of nature from your own backyard. By planting a selection of the top plants we have covered, you can create a space that is not only visually stunning but also serves as a valuable habitat for local wildlife.