As a rule, the British are famous for their devotion to neat, organized and carefully manicured lawns and gardens. However, this tendency is in opposition to the surge towards biodiversity and the encouragement of ‘natural’ habitats for plants and animals.
You don’t have to let the nettles take over, and nobody suggests a “just forget about it” approach – you’ll need even more care and planning to promote biodiversity in a small area such as a balcony or patio, which is the option most urban dwellers have available.
2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity, and the Royal Horticultural Society, amongst many other organizations both public and private, is campaigning for everyone to do their bit, no matter how limited the space they have to work with. Helen Bostock is an advisor to the RHS, and offers a lot of great ideas for making a home for wildlife in the city.
For example, take just the bees and the birds. You can mix flowers such as daffodils, crocuses and alliums that flower at different times of the year, to attract pollinating bees from spring through autumn. Shady spots are great for mint and ferns; a sunny spot is ideal for chives and thyme. You can even build a bee hotel out of bamboo (various websites offer detailed instructions.)
A balcony or patio is excellent for bird feeders and baths. You can make your own or find them in any garden center, and the rewards are well worth your small investment.
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