Natural Habitats

We often get asked asked questions about the importance of native plant species.

Wildlife gardening and providing natural habitats does not mean you have to stick to purely native species but it does mean you should try and plant as many as possible and always bare the native plant alternative in mind when choosing plants.

Generally, native species are best suited to British gardens and will sustain more wildlife that exotics, because over time the plants have developed relationships with the wildlife, each other and native fungi and bacteria. They have also adapted themselves to withstand our climate conditions.

Many insects are totally specific about their food, with their larvae only eating one plant leaf specie. Insects must be encouraged as they as they are the backbone of any garden - being food for many other animals that are desirable in the garden.

It is not quite these easy though, just because a plant is native it may not grow well in your soil or area. In fact some natives only grow in what is considered as poor soil. While some exotics can provide excellent shelter and food for wildlife. Budd-leia, for example, is a great butterfly attractant.

Scented herbs are invaluable, and many non-native, colorful wild border plants are indispensable especially in the later seasons.