Bee sure you have a welcoming garden

by Lorraine Gibson.
Did you know that Britain’s gardens occupy more space than all our nature reserves put together?
Imagine, then, the difference we could make to our wildlife if we shared our plots with nature.
The Knoll Gardens Foundation, established in 2008, believes that gardens should not only be beautiful, but also act as ‘mini-reserves offering refuge and food for wildlife – an approach that benefits us humans, too’.
To encourage this, the charity’s Open Day on Friday, September 16, aims to inspire visitors with its sustainable, wildlife-friendly approach to gardening, showing how sensitive management makes for a welcome place for wildlife.
They demonstrate the stunning effect that can be achieved with grasses and perennials, shrubs and trees, with little maintenance, minimum resources and by following these methods:
Have flowering shrubs and perennials throughout the year to provide nectar for bees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths.
Delay cutting back grasses and leave dead stems and seed heads to overwinter, providing important habitats for insects to hibernate in and for birds to feed.
Have a pond – crucial for attracting and sustaining the likes of dragonflies, frogs, newts and aquatic insects, with birds, bats and other insects feeding on ‘fly life’.
Stroll amongst naturalistic plantings from 10am to 5pm and meet wildlife and garden experts and learn more about their stunning grasses, colourful perennials and the wide variety of insects, birds, amphibians and mammals that call Knoll Gardens home.
It’s hoped that the event will inspire people to take a fresh look at their gardens and get more involved.
And if you’re passionate about sustainability, gardening and wildlife, and have skills to share, the charity’s seeking new trustees and volunteers to help promote its ethos and build on the crucial work it carries out throughout the year – so it’s your chance find out how to get involved.
Admission of £6.95 (concessions apply) on the day goes to the Knoll Gardens Foundation. knollgardensfoundation.org.