Promoting wildlife within city gardens is an important way of supporting biodiversity and creating a healthier urban environment. Careful plant selection can provide food, shelter and nesting opportunities for a wide range of insects, birds and other wildlife. Native plants are particularly valuable because they are well adapted to local conditions and often provide suitable food sources for native species. Plants such as lavender, foxglove, buddleia and wild marjoram can attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators, while berry-producing shrubs can provide food for birds.
Bug hotels are another useful feature in a wildlife-friendly garden. They can be made from natural materials such as bamboo canes, logs, pine cones and hollow stems, providing shelter for solitary bees, beetles and other beneficial insects. Positioning bug hotels in a sheltered, sunny location can make them more attractive to insects.
Pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many flowering plants and food crops, so providing a continuous supply of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season is beneficial. Choosing plants with different flowering periods helps ensure food is available from spring through to autumn.
Avoiding excessive pesticide use, leaving some areas of vegetation undisturbed and providing water can further improve habitat quality. Even small city gardens can therefore make a valuable contribution to urban wildlife and biodiversity.