Planting for Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the range of animal and plant life in a habitat, and it’s incredibly important to both humans and the planet. Creating and promoting a biodiverse environment will help to preserve our planet for future generations, and will also enhance its beauty. Every green space, whether large or small, has the potential to be transformed into a haven for wildlife, and provides many benefits to biodiversity. 

Unfortunately, the species population is currently in decline, due to various threats. Introducing a rich variety of plant species is a highly effective way of promoting wildlife, such as birds, mammals, and insects, to a green space. Different species can be attracted to a range of colours, shapes, and fragrances, as well as plants which flower and fruit during different seasons of the year. You can also incorporate a variation of native, near-native, and exotic plants to further enhance the biodiversity benefits. 

Native plants have co-evolved with native wildlife, and give support to these local ecological systems. Due to naturally occurring within the region, native plants are better suited to establish and thrive within the area’s soil, climate, and light conditions, and they are more resilient to local pests—reducing the need for plant feed and pest control. In addition, native plants help to promote symbiotic relationships; these are mutually beneficial relationships between animals and plants. Read more about symbiotic relationships by checking out our blog. 

Butterflies are a vital pollinator which bring movement and colour to landscapes. As well as being attracted to scent, they are allured by bright flowers, which they require to feed on their nectar and collect pollen, in order to carry and pass onto other plants; this action encourages seed production. Including plants such as Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ and Verbena bonariensis within your landscape will help to attract a wide range of butterflies. Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ is a perennial that boasts large, long-lasting, daisy-like, yellow flowers with black-brown centres from summer to autumn. It’s particularly striking when planted in drifts and works well combined with ornamental grasses. Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ is also useful for adding a splash of colour to borders. A true butterfly magnet, Verbena bonariensis is a perennial with tall branching stems and flattened heads of lilac-purple, late summer flowers. This plant works well as part of a prairie style planting theme and copes well in full sun. 

You can benefit pollinators by providing pollen and nectar-rich flowers at various times throughout the year, and to help attract pollinators to your green space, we have collated a list of our planting recommendations, season by season. Spring flowering plants for pollinators include Helleborus foetidus, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Ajuga reptans. Native to the UK, Helleborus foetidus is a compact perennial with bell-shaped, lime green flowers from January to April, alongside dark green, deeply divided foliage. Rosmarinus officinalis is an upright evergreen shrub with aromatic, narrow green leaves that have white undersides. Widely used for culinary purposes, Rosmarinus officinalis boasts pretty light blue to white flowers from spring, but often repeats throughout the year—greatly appreciated by pollinators. Ajuga reptans is another UK native perennial that forms a wide mat of dark green carpet and bears erect spikes of deep blue flowers. It’s ideal for groundcover in shaded positions. 

With birds mainly requiring both shelter and food, it’s necessary to include plants within your landscape which provide these key elements. For food, plants such as Echinacea purpurea, Symphoricarpos × chenaultii ‘Hancock’, and Viburnum opulus are highly valuable for birds. Echinacea purpurea is a useful perennial for seeds—especially if it’s left during the winter. It’s an upright herbaceous perennial with ovate, hairy foliage and large, striking, solitary pink flowers that feature a central, orange-brown disk; a wonderful addition to a cottage style garden. Symphoricarpos × chenaultii ‘Hancock’ is a low growing, deciduous shrub with rooting branches, small leaves, and tiny white flowers which are followed by clusters of white berries with red speckles, lasting into winter. Its flowers are adored by bees and butterflies, whilst birds enjoy its berries. Viburnum opulus is a vigorous native shrub with lobed, maple-like leaves that provide lovely autumn colour. Snowball-like clusters of white, or green tinted flowers bloom in spring, and are followed by translucent red berries, which birds use as a food source throughout autumn. 

For the best chances of encouraging birds to your landscape, it’s essential to include trees within your planting scheme. Providing fundamental habitats, trees are useful for nesting, as well as a source of materials for nest-building. Trees provide birds with an important food source, including seeds, berries, and nectar, and their leaves can collect water for birds to drink from.