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There are a surprisingly large number of plants, shrubs and trees that you can grow in your garden to encourage wildlife. Below is a small selection of plants that will both please the eye and will ensure that any visiting wildlife does not go hungry.

Rich pickings for a blackbird with pyracantha berries.

Eryngium here seen with ladybirds in summer, provides winter food.

Viburnums are another good winter source, be it the berries of V. opulus or January flowering V. tinus.

Our native oak can support over 200 insects species in its boughs, making it a valuable addition.

Rowan berries, popular with all kinds of birds and provide an attractive decorative feature for us.

Best Plants for Wildlife
BUDDLEJA DAVIDII
The 'Butterfly bush': attracts them in droves.
VERBENA BONARIENSIS
Also attracts butterflies. Self sow sunny places.
AMELANCHIER SPECIES
Birds adore their purple berries in autumn.
HEDERA SPECIES
Ivies are an important habitat for many insects; birds nest here, and eat the berries.
ILEX AQUIFOLIUM
Holly provides food and, because it is evergreen, a good place for insects to hibernate.
LONICERA PERICLYMENUM
Honeysuckle is a nectar source, produces berries and offers nesting facilities.
LIMANTHES DOUGLASII
The poached egg plant is adored by hoverflies, one of the main predators of aphids.
SORBUS SPECIES
Rowan berries are popular with many birds.
FOENICULUM VULGARE
An attractive herb, fennel offers food for insects too. Use both light and dark - strong shades retain their impact longer.

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