How to create a garden that looks gorgeous and supports wildlife

[@reginasanglier2270]

What a joyful way to start my day. Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@adrabruzzese7610]

Well said!

[@irairod5160]

Oh, Alexandra, that audio clip from inside the wood pile made me smile so big! What a wonderful realization of just how much life can be supported by something so unassuming. I have a small mound of sticks and grass that I meant to make into a compost pile and has never become so out of procrastination...it's out of the way and does not bother me, so I've let it be. I know I have a resident garden snake that hangs out there; thinking what else could be sheltering in the garden "refuse" gives me great joy.

[@kathleenwilliamson174]

Coming back and watching again a year later, I'm still learning more each time I watch it. Fergus is such an incredible gardener. He uses practical gardening practices that we all can use. He's knowledgeable but humble. Thank you again Alexandra.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

This was one of my favourite videos to shoot, thank you!

[@karlitobergkamp8082]

Fergus is one of those people who is a compete one off and I’m pleased he’s around at the same time as myself so I can experience and soak up his knowledge. Thanks for this brilliant interview.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@nanapoppi3]

This was a real treat listening to one of the best in the gardening world. Encouraging words to educate ones self on the species living in your garden to open up a new world. Loved hearing the munching audio too.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you - I loved the munching too!

[@SpanishEclectic]

Another really terrific interview! You never disappoint! It's often not clear that a plant supports wildlife until you see it in action. This week our very old wall of ivy (it's so thick at the bottom it has trunks which have absorbed a chain link fence) is blooming. The buzzing is incredible. :)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That sounds like a wonderful growth of ivy. And thank you!

[@airisaiia7340]

I think there are a couple of butterfly species dependent on ivy. It's incredible to learn the range of growing things our insect kingdom needs.

[@RandeeHalladay]

Thank you for this wonderful video, thank you for letting him speak uninterrupted. You did exactly the right thing, your channel is amazing.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@DeborahChapin]

Wow, that habitat pile audio makes me glad that I’m not fighting for my food. Amazing.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

What a great insight! Now I'm glad I'm not in that woodpile.

[@DeborahChapin]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden I am going to try to build one of those because each year I have a great deal of deadwood falling off trees, I studied up on how one of those haystacks was built so wish me luck.

[@mimijohnson689]

Thanks for your wonderful video! What a calming, insightful message! I’ve been gardening in the USA near Seattle, Washington for 30 years. For me, the biggest takeaway from your video is the idea that one can simplify the hobby/practice of gardening by following a PHILOSOPHY, or ATTITUDE, as a guiding principle. It’s easy to become confused by all the (sometimes conflicting) information and instruction available both in print and online. But if you follow Mr. Garret’s philosophy of beauty, discernment, pragmatism, biodiversity, and loose management, you can create and sustain an environment (your own little WORLD, if you will) that both pleases your aesthetic and supports the planet we all share.

[@pongop]

Great comment!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much - I appreciate the support and agree that a philosophy helps cut through the conflicting advice!

[@mimijohnson689]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden. My pleasure! I’ll be watching this video periodically to stay grounded and focused in my garden work. 😊

[@Quince5]

Such a good video, and so encouraging. Fergus is always so relatable and never dogmatic. Thank you both.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KarenB-v1j]

Brilliant interview, providing a different and thoughtful perspective on wildlife gardening. Thank you.

[@maryanna6302]

These tips make so much sense to me as a holistic gardening method. It also saves so much work throughout the year. I.e. I rarely need to use the green waste can anymore as most prunings can be used elsewhere in my garden or left very close to where they are cut. Thanks for the beautiful panoramic shots of Great Dixter 💚

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Beneathroots1944]

Hearing those insects munching was incredible! Thank you so much for this video

[@VelvetandToads]

Extraordinary! Love the wood pile recording. I was fortunate one day to hear a caterpillar chomping away on a leaf. Such a moving micro-experience.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

How wonderful!

[@Debbie-henri]

How fascinating to hear the sounds inside that heap of sticks. I have several stick piles and a long 'twig hedge' down one side of my garden. Amazing to think just how busy it must be in these places. I haven't cut my grass in 22 years, and it changes over the years, the range of wild flowers (and their attendant insects) gradually change. So it's interesting to watch it evolve over time (I do add plants, mostly wild flowers, but also those ornamentals that I think would thrive, help insects, and not look out of place).

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I thought it was stunning! Such a good idea to put a maximum strength microphone into the pile.

[@dyanalayng5507]

Very informative and reassuring when we look at our neighbourhoods as a whole. Of course in a suburban area 🇨🇦, the use of artificial fertiizers and pesticides is also individual. Thank goodness for gardens like this one. Thank you for sharing it!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, it was such a pleasure to make

[@suetulloch2138]

Really enjoyed seeing the borders and surrounding wilder areas at Great Dixter Alexandra. It's wonderful to see and hear how it is 'managed' for wildlife diversity and see it looking so colourful and vibrant. I also have a big pile of wood and other garden waste that's too big to put in my compost bins which I thought I ought to do something about, but I will definitely leave it for the wild life now! Thanks Alexandra, great interview and video.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@philmccavity]

I hope no one us directing any negativity towards gardeners, who themselves are only in the garden out of their pure love of nature. I have learned so much from this and other gardening channels (although i have a really tiny garden). This transmission of applied knowledge to future generations is a very important endeavour.

[@tbunny711]

I was a little worried that this was the old sort of way of thinking when grass was mentioned but I'm very happy I stuck through the whole video to see that this really is in line with what I've heard from every pro over and over. The list he gives of how to have a healthy garden is so spot on. Thank you for spreading the message!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I think when it comes to grass lawns, I often like to remind people that many parts of the US (and other parts of the world) are very different from the UK ,where the lawns are usually native grasses, are rarely - if ever - watered and even when cut short, absorb heat & carbon dioxide and offer a habitat for worms/soil organisms and a food supply for birds (always better than hard landscaping or artificial grass)! So the balance of pros and cons is quite different, depending on where you are - there's a tendency for US based research to be applied to UK gardens and it's not a 'one size fits all' situation. Not sure where that fits into 'old sort of thinking' but I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@tbunny711]

@TheMiddlesizedGarden ah good point! Many places in the US not only do not use native grasses but they also have to water their grass sometimes almost daily to keep it alive. And weed killers are often mixed into fertilizers and come highly recommended for lawns. So yes different ways and different needs!

[@BurdHQ]

I love how simple and applicable the advice is, even on a lower budget! Love the passion for the little critters too

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you liked it!

[@JaneDoeDoeDeeOhDoe]

What an excellent and interesting video! Food for thought. We try to keep our small garden and lawn as wildlife friendly as possible, but this interview has given me some new ideas I might incorporate in our garden. Thank you, Alexandra.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

So glad to hear that!

[@dianepuskas6362]

Thank you for such great content. We have lichen growing on my neighbor’s white vinyl fence. My husband mentioned power washing it away, but I squashed that thought. It’s living and it beautiful. I also was amazed by the munching sounds from the pile. Thanks again

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I think it's a sign that you have clean air, because I think lichens won't grow as well if the air is polluted.

[@convinth]

One of your best videos, Alexandra! Most informative & entertaining.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much - I edited and re-edited so often that I thought I would never press 'publish'!

[@kerryjean2223]

What is wonderful video. I love this man spreading healthy garden knowledge. Seems I'm not alone about detesting poisons and fake nutrients and loving all the little critters and insects whatever they be. No killing but rather enabling with helpful habitat.

[@janethothersall8345]

The complete happiness you bring to me is truly joyful…what a wonderful video…thank you dear Alexandra ♥️ and It’s wonderful to see your subscribers rising…I’ve been following you from the very beginning x

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, that's lovely to hear!

[@susanleadbetter8639]

What a fantastic treat listening to this video. Things explained so simply. Very refreshing to watch. Thank you Alexandra. 💖

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@HappyPoppyFlowers-60]

My favorite episode. Middle size garden

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

One of mine, too.

[@lulajohns1883]

Lovely video, great information, and gorgeous gardens. Thank you

[@hilshils3426]

Love the idea of learning about just one type of insect, like the bumble bee & try to identify it…will add so much more to any garden ‘wandering’, whether mine or someone else’s!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you. I'm going to try, although I find bees whizz about so fast, I don't get much chance to see the differences!

[@arnolddesandere9734]

Brilliant chap. Many thanks.

[@canuckviolet3322]

This was a wonderful interview! And gives me another way to think about how to approach my garden choices. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@michaeljonesdougherty.209]

What we can all learn from our gardens even if we think we are at the top of our game. We still learn about our habits and all the little things that make a healthier solution for the environment

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@tanarehbein7768]

Lovely pictures and great hints. I live where the snow covers the garden for four months of the year. I get great decomposition over the winter when I cut down all the dead waste in my garden and let it lay on the ground. I then top dress with compost . In some gardens I run the corse material like branches, corn stalks, and sunflower stalks through a chipper and let it scatter on top of the garden bed. In the spring the "chop and drop" under the compost and snow is 80% broken down and I did very little work to feed the garden because I avoided raking and hauling away the old material.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I love the chop and drop concept - I have friends who only add that to their borders and their gardens are wonderful.

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Good afternoon Alexander, what a lovely garden talk, I could have listened to some more. Alas, it was fascinating to listen to the busy wood pile. Oh my goodness, sounded to me like a fire crackling! Fergus is such a relaxing gardener. Nothing seems to upset him, he just works alongside nature. There is so much to learn in the garden better than a biology lessen at school. To really get the most from your garden is planning, and arranging of your shrubs, trees and plants. Every thing else is a bonus. We have experienced a terrible heat wave for the past 2 weeks, it could have been longer but let's stick with 2 weeks with temperatures from 30 C to 40C and no rain. The Cape province has had much downpours, now it seems this weekend all of the Country is going to get soaked. I am so grateful for the rains coming now there is predictions of hail. That is every gardeners nightmare, hail and frost. Me and husband moved a Japanese maple to the back kitchen window where it is not so extremely hot. At the start of the season the leaves got burned from the harsh sun, and it put on some fresh leaves and I said, please let us save this as we have had this for many years and buying one now will cost a fortune. It is good to have that hands on in your garden knowing when to do what. Perhaps years of experience, including mistakes. Looking forward to the rains coming I will share with you in the next chat. I recently cleaned many pots, cement, and clay, some have been painted and a few waiting to get a new covering. It is so worthwhile taking care of your garden things, the repainted ones look so smart, and it is as thought the succulents seem to also appreciate a bit more attention. Thank goodness Fergus said if running out of home compost they just buy in, alas, some horticulturists make you feel like a failure when you buy. So glad the man is down to earth! Kind regards, Elize.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! And I hope you get your rain soon, it is absolutely pouring here.

[@DownButNotOutYet]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden weather went from 33-40C down to 6-17 and now 6-9! They did forecast rain + hail but only light rain the storm passed :) very cold light rain only on Wednesday back to summer! Such peculiar weather just trusting for being safe. Much love.

[@fionasaunders7646]

Excellent episode, inspiring and beautiful filming , a master gardener Fergus ! Thank you

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@airisaiia7340]

You ask the best questions! A very intuitive flow to these interviews and I love them. So informative and very accessible, honest and practical information. Cannot wait to move house and get started on establishing a new garden with fresh ideas!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@drawyrral]

Fascinating sound in the woodpile Alexandra. Habitat for Nature is my main reason for gardening. Another great show.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@annadunleavy5872]

What an amazing video presentation. The combination of visual examples and his easy way of educating us was wonderful. The diversity of interviews and videos you share are exceptional. Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much, I loved doing it and went back to the garden several times to try to get exactly the right extra visuals, so it's lovely to hear that.

[@karenannaluisa3370]

Beautiful! And thx for the content!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's a pleasure (it really was!)

[@louisechristinelarsen2248]

Wonderfully inspiring, thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MarlenesHomeandGarden]

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Such beautiful flowers. That cottage style is so very appealing to me. Pollinators are so important as is biodiversity. The Butterfly effect. Keep doing an awesome job.❤

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, I loved filming it.

[@dianeasberry7928]

There is so much great advice with gorgeous gardens to boot in this episode. Thank you!

[@karynhitchman2498]

So interesting (and calming) to listen to you borh chat about the Great Dixter gardens. And thank you so very much for the wonderful soundbite of the habitat pile ❤🤗

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

So glad you enjoyed it, I loved the habitat pile too.

[@gardentours]

Very informative video 👍 That munching noise in the habitat pile is amazing. Thank you very much for sharing 🌻🐝🌝

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@lauriereinhardt-plotnik7254]

One of the best gardening videos by far. Thank you! ❤

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kevinjamesparr552]

Very interesting talk with a real gardener .Like Fergus talk on his veiws

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it, Fergus is so interesting!

[@clarecollins2547]

This is a wonderful video with so much information and excitement!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I so enjoyed doing it

[@anitahadley2871]

This is a wonderful interview with so much information. I saved it so that I can go back and watch it again! thank you both!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ingelatorvaldsson990]

What a wonderful video! So much wisdom, that we should all listen to. And the sound from the woodstack! 😊 Thank you ❤🐝🐞

[@anneconoulty4722]

What a great interview, his calm reassuring matter inspires confidence. Thank u Alexandra.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you

[@creativecascades1328]

Adding a water feature is essential if you want a rounded ecosystem

[@Michellemybelle1996]

Excellent interview and video. You are one of the only gardeners I watch that tour and interview such knowledgeable staff. I am learning so much! Thank you for all your good work- West Michigander, zone 5b garden fan😊

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@shamsjaffer15]

Thank you Alexandra for this very interesting video. 🙏🏻

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jb2190]

I am so happy I have found this channel. By chance I came across this channel exploring garden paths earlier. This episode however; is quite a bit more entailed. I too have a habitat pile, not by choice, local ordinance forbids burning. Lol. I visited this channel originally for simple advice and left with complex and reaffirming knowledge. I have subscribed. Although from across the pond; all pertinent information applies. Many thanks! My ears and eyes are open.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, that's lovely to hear.

[@stephaniesharkey3538]

That was great! Thanks Alexandra🌿

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you liked it!!

[@jonathanjoynes5216]

Brilliant interview thanks, could have listened to the both of you all day ❤️

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tammielpowell]

Truly lovely, educational, and inspiring. Thank you.

[@bewoodford2807]

Loved this. What a most fabulous and interesting interview. Thank you Alexandra 😀 x

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@GardenerPhyl]

Such a fascinating and informative video. Your interview style always elicits wonderful conversation, thanks kindly!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sherylemoore8626]

Thank you for sharing such a marvelous garden and the very informative interview. This is a gardening technique after my own heart.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@carolynbrotherton4599]

Super video great to listen to the munching, how very amazing. Thank you for all your valuable advice.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@glennjgroves]

I love this video!

[@amypetersen]

Wonderful video! I really like his practical approach.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I think it's great.

[@dorothylaplante7243]

Loved this video

[@dwoodbury]

So enjoyable and informative. Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@auntyjo1792]

This is an excellent video, a lot of food for thought, thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donnavorce8856]

Thank you. I enjoy your tours, talks, and techniques. Just lovely. Slow gardening. The way to go! Great talk. Excellent interview and exchange. Cheers.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@susanbrookes8247]

Excellent stuff thank you Alessandra

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you liked it!

[@DouglasDrake-o8e]

This has to be the most informative video I've seen in a long time. Mr. Garrett speaks in terms we all can understand and practice. I am subscribing today and will watch your videos over the winter here in Wisconsin USA. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, and I hope you enjoy them!

[@sunitashastry5270]

Lovely video. I absolutely love Great Dixter. I have enjoyed seeing so many videos of it. I would love to visit sometimes. I got a few. Ore ideas about letting nature be - so thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@amyjones2490]

I was waiting for this all week! What a lovely interview.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@UpstateGrammy]

This was a delightful video. I look forward to studying the Great Dixter barn garden. Thank you to you and Fergus!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@pamd1861]

Excellent! Thank you😊

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@michaliareeton3247]

Lots of great advice thank you

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

You are so welcome!

[@SMElder-iy6fl]

Fascinating!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It was!

[@tammyb6497]

Fantastic interview! And such a gorgeous property!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@barbarasacchi6079]

Grazie.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I appreciate the support

[@NickSBailey]

this was great would love to visit Great Dixter one day, those long borders are amazing and liked hearing the sounds of the wildlife woodpile, there are at least 2500 species of moths in the UK

[@barbkenas5663]

Love this, how interesting!

[@adrabruzzese7610]

Wonderful video, i now know what im doing is the right thing to create wildlife habitat. Thanks.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mypreciousgarden]

What a nice approach on gardening !

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@irairod5160]

"Enthuse yourself." 🥰

[@jcrane45585]

Love this man. Genius

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

He is.

[@kevinjamesparr552]

I weed then plant under cover of Indian mint or Spreading plants like campanula or phlox . Snow in the summer has taken well as ground cover in main borders

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sounds lovely!

[@FLlife]

Great interview!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@dorothylaplante7243]

What a lovely gift for this fall morning. Great reminder regarding cleaning up leaves and letting them be. Thank you for sharing the munching sounds, so amazing.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed them, I thought it was fascinating.

[@krybastian2611]

This was so interesting- I love your videos! Watching from central Nee York, zone 5b

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! Fergus Garrett has such an interesting perspective

[@lorimiller623]

I wish brush piles had been a thing during all those years I carefully cut up and bagged rose bush trimmings!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

We are going to try to do one year of not bagging anything up, either composting or doing a habitat pile for all the trimmings.

[@isabellet4374]

Cette vidéo est particulièrement intéressante et instructive. Personnellement j'ai commencé depuis deux ans à accumuler les branches de noisetiers et quelques autres tailles d'arbres le long de mes clôtures en grillage avec quelques piquets de bois solides pour les maintenir en place. Ils servent à masquer les vues par endroit et à abriter sans doute une faune plus variée. Peu à peu Ils se tassent et j'en ajoute à chaque saison de taille. C'est très plaisant. On peut le faire de manière plus ou moins ordonnée mais le résultat est toujours intéressant et supprime beaucoup la corvée de jeter les branches à la déchetterie ou déchiqueter les rameaux . Merci pour votre chaîne très informée.

[@dvssayer5621]

Oh my what was that very tall bright orange floer starting at about 3:29!!!!!! He was talking about heavily tended borders. I hope to find that flower!!!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It was a marigold, although I don't know exactly which variety. He calls that 'the bonkers border.'

[@dvssayer5621]

​@@TheMiddlesizedGardenthank you! I've never seen 5 ft tall marigolds!

[@VickiesGardenEvolution]

Abundant catapillars mean abundant birds ❤

[@beckyscheller9358]

Great video

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you

[@rogershields206]

This is an incredible garden. I always wondered about how you grow daffodils in the grass, If I do that here, I eventually have to cut the grass with my lawn mower and then they are cut down. I was always told that you shouldnt cut the daffodils off until about 6 weeks after they bloom because the nutrients have to go back down into the bulbs. If I cut mine off when I first cut the grass then they eventually become weak and dont bloom. I just wonder how you handle this situation in England.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, that is definitely an issue. You have to leave the lawn uncut for the 6 weeks and I understand that's what they do at Great Dixter. But once you cut the lawn again, it should go back to normal quite quickly. You will have about four weeks of shaggy grass though. Some people put daffodils just in one part of the lawn, then leave that long while cutting the rest. If you haven't seen it, my experiences of letting the lawn grow long, then cutting it might be helpful in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp7JZpt5r999qtk

[@rogershields206]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Thank you so much for your information and the great video that you mentioned Have a nice day

[@lovelyinlux82]

Could someone identity the purple plant on the right side at 5:26? Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I believe it's Salvia 'Amistad'

[@lovelyinlux82]

Thank you so much! I adore your videos!

[@kevinjamesparr552]

To me my formal English 5 acres set in hedged gardens rooms beat all. One room a day and weeks work each month really . Rest of time build mt green shade garden as finale . Water is from deep drilled well for waterlily canal and water fall garden .I admit to have a rose hedge of Hansa and Roserlie de Haye roses and leave all banking for hedgehogs and wild animals. Not noticed as its near service yard and greenhouses .Garden party guest remain in gardens dont even see service area and compost bins .

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sounds beautiful

[@jcrane45585]

@10:04 are these Amaranth staked?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Interesting, I didn't notice, so if they were, it was very well concealed. I will ask next time I am there.

[@OksBryk]

I made a small compost heap and wood logs in my little garden and got a rat. I removed compost and moved logs, but rat tunnels are everywhere. What can I do to make it leave my garden?

[@dianefields6056]

Find out how to encourage owls.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Rats are always attracted to human habitation. Most houses and their gardens have rats somewhere, especially in cities.

[@carlawalker4671]

❤

[@Flower_hoarder]

W🌼w‼️

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@nanasloves]

Bindweed….. 😫

[@OksBryk]

How to make garden wildlife friendly and to not attract rats?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's tricky, because all human habitation attracts rats. Cities, towns, villages and farms all have rat problems, especially in areas where people drop or throw away food. I don't think they're particularly attracted to wildlife friendly gardens more than any other habitat, but, equally, anywhere can have rats. The best thing (for house and garden)is to make sure that cooked or processed food, meat and cheese etc are all bagged up and binned. Don't put any cooked food or raw fish, meat or cheese in the compost. Only put raw fruit and veg, plus garden clippings in the compost. You can also leave a compost heap open so rain gets in, which stops it being a cosy place to be. And if you have a bird feeder, then sweep up any fallen bird food. But I think they will be much more interested in a new food shop or takeaway opening up down the road than you creating a wildlife friendly garden!

[@CalisthenicTraining]

Cultivars do not provide biodiversity. There isn't really a middleground, its either beneficial or not.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

No, that's not quite correct. Cultivars of wildlife friendly plants are still wildlife friendly. It's the very overbred cultivars with double flowers (difficult for pollinators to access) that are less wildlife friendly, but even they often offer benefits to leaf cutter bees, aphids etc. If an insect, bird or animal benefits from a plant in any way, such as for food, shelter or as a host to something it feeds off, then that plant benefits biodiversity. There's often a bit of confusion here between the 'native plants issue' and the 'biodiversity issue' with some people incorrectly stating that only native plants benefit biodiversity, but there are many scientific studies proving otherwise. Though native plants are good.