Landscape & Urban Design Issue 44 2020 | Page 53

GARDEN WILDLIFE Remember, good hygiene is vital, or feeding may do more harm than good. Find out more about feeding your garden birds at Join in with the RSPB’s #BreakfastBirdwatch to share your sightings. 2. Sow some seeds for bees It’s not too late to start growing flowering plants from seeds such as cornflowers, marigolds and poppies to help provide bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects with a much needed food source – and your garden with an extra splash of colour. When the bees and butterflies started buzzing and fluttering around the flowers they will help bring the whole place to life. 3. Let it grow Now is the time when people usually start venturing into the garden after the winter and start tidying up – the gardeners equivalent of spring cleaning. Of course we like our gardens to look beautiful, but if you can leave bits undisturbed and wild, you will be rewarded with wildlife that might not otherwise find a place to stay. That unkempt hedge could well have birds nesting in it by now, and the pile of leaves in the corner is perfect for visiting hedgehogs. Philippa added: “We at Barratt and David Wilson Homes often provide wild seed packs to our residents to grow a slice of UK countryside in their otherwise modern gardens. Our feedback is great and residents soon begin to see an increase in all kinds of wildlife.” 4. Breathe Whether you just have a window box planted with lavender or a garden full of trees, shrubs and flowers, take some time to breathe it in. Sit back, relax, watch and listen to the wildlife you have invited to share your little patch of greenery with you. Philippa added: “Making small adjustments to gardens in urban or suburban environments creates extremely valuable wild spaces. Our properties often have versatile gardens that can host more friendly residents than meets the eye.” For more information on how you can make your garden as wildlife friendly as possible visit rspb.org.uk/wildlifegardening For more information on Barratt and David Wilson Homes, please visit www.barratthomes.co.uk or www.dwh.co.uk Follow us @ludmagazine www.landud.co.uk 53