From the Archives: Planting for Wildlife

Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided.

Q – Spent plants… to clear or not to clear? (1’29”)

Kitty –

Alcea, hollyhocks

Cynara cardunculus Scolymus Group, globe artichoke

Cichorium intybus, chicory

Q – I’m looking for hedge ideas for a 20-metre boundary. I'd like it to be wildlife friendly, fast growing and evergreen. (05’36”)

Matt Biggs –

Crataegus, hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna, common Hawthorne

Bunny Guinness –

Ilex aquifolium, common holly

Lottie Allen –

Fagus sylvatica Atropurpurea Group, copper beech

Feature – Kirsty Wilson discusses protecting hedgehogs in the garden (09’23)

Q – What plants would the panel recommend to attract insects which are active at night and therefore bats into my garden? (13’33”)

Bob Flowerdew –

Tilia × europaea, common lime

Lonicera, honeysuckles

Anne Swithinbank –

Itea ilicifolia, holly-leaved sweet spire

Araujia sericifera, cruel plant

Q – What can I plant in my bog pond that will make it look more appealing and prevent herons from visiting? (16’08”)

Chris Beardshaw –

Caltha palustris, marsh marigold

Mentha spicata, spearmint

Lobelia cardinalis 'Queen Victoria', cardinal flower 'Queen Victoria'

Iris sibirica, siberian flag

Feature – Encouraging birds to tackle common pests and diseases such as box blite.

Q – Is there any way to discourage pheasants from my garden? (24’11”)

Q – What can I plant in my garden that won’t be eaten by rabbits? (27’50”)

 John Cushney  –

Cortaderia selloana, pampas Grass

Feature – Pippa Greenwood providing advice on how to make your garden wildlife friendly (32’06)

Q – Do snakes have any benefit to our gardens? (35’52”)