How to be a Better Wildlife Gardener

Dig It - Discussions on Gardening Topics

How to be a better wildlife gardener

In this podcast Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with gardening expert and nature lover Martin Fish. Topics covered include invaluable advice on developing a wildlife friendly garden, lawn meadows, managing wildlife and how best to achieve the right balance of potential pests and wildlife, his thoughts, and observations on the new trends in re-wilding and his take on ‘No Mow May’.

We also discover how Martin started in horticulture, his nursery growing days and career moves into TV, local radio, writing and judging at major flower shows. Martin shares his love and passion for gardening and gives his views on the right mix of plants, habitats and the key considerations you should follow to help achieve a good wildlife balance in the garden.

Plants mentioned

Clematis macropetala ‘Stolwijk Gold’ (and Goldfinches).

Wildlife lawn plants for pollinators including Daisies, Buttercups, Primroses (in verges) and Clover.

Children plants; English Marigolds (Calendula), Cosmos, Sunflowers, Strawberries and fruiting plants.

Butterflies and Moths plants: Verbena bonariensis, Night-scented stocks, Nicotiana (Tobacco plant) and clumps of perennial stinging nettles.

Range of plants that provide year-round wildlife interest include Crocus, Hellebores, Snowdrops, blossom on Apples, Pears, Plums, hardy annuals, single flowered Dahlias, Foxgloves and hardy groundcover Geraniums.

Products mentioned

Compost bin, lawn rake, strimmer and rotary mower. Pre-formed liner, butyl liner or even a large washing bowl buried to the rim will draw the wildlife in. Bird feeds, drinkers and nesting boxes. Hedgehog houses and feeds. Swan food. If you have to control pests and diseases, opt for organic plant-based insecticides and fungicides and use them sparingly.

Animals mentioned

Robins, Goldfinches. Blackbirds, Greenfinches, Blue Tits, Sparrow, House Martins, Swifts, Yellow Hammers. Hedgehogs, Rabbits, Butterflies, Bees, Frogs, Newts, Damselflies and Lacewings.

Useful websites: Re-wilding and No Mow May

RHS Plant for pollinators pdf

The Wildlife Trust

RSPB

RHS Wildlife

Martin’s cast away plant and tool: Apple tree and the variety ‘Sunset’, plus a pair of trusted secateurs to maintain the tree!

Martin Fish website

Martin’s Pots and Trowels YouTube Channel

Our thanks to Chiltern Music Therapy for providing the music.

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