Gardening for biodiversity - why changing the rules is good news for garden lovers!

[@irairod5160]

Yay! This has been my favorite installment of yours because this is the way I try to garden! No lawn, no exotic plants, no pesticides, no chemical fertilizers, leaves and grasses that decompose where they fall, insects, snakes, frogs, snails, and birds left undisturbed. I nodded and smiled the whole show through! Thank you for promoting gardening with biodiversity as a fundamental goal.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@kerryfirehorse]

Thank you for saying all this. Old ways do need to change.

[@glennjgroves]

I LOVE that working with nature and gardening for wildlife is being encouraged now - and by the RHS! Very exciting! Imagine what millions of people each doing their own little bit can achieve!

[@NatureShy]

I just love how much wildlife we're seeing in our garden since planting and caring for it in a wildlife friendly way.

[@bigtomatoplantslover6205]

Lovely plants 🪴 Like it ❤️ My friend, thank you for good sharing 😊

[@leonieharry2941]

Absolutely right! Thank you for this video!!

[@SeaTurtle515]

Excellent information and really, the only way to garden. May more people start to catch on to this environmentally favorable way of gardening Thank you for this video. 🌿🐝

[@alice_rabbit8345]

I’d love to see more content like this!! Wonderful video 💚

[@adeleamorosi852]

Beautiful episode 🥰

[@feeonaghchambers7403]

Fabulous episode.

[@helenhawkins4054]

What an excellent video. Well done you.🤗🤞✅💐

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you 🤗

[@LoriSavingWild]

I love your channel and how much you care about inspiring people to love plants and to garden. I cant use all of your advice because I am in the USA but I do love English gardens. Thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you1

[@bctrissel]

Excellent info! Thanks so much!

[@susanschellberg4509]

Love this episode. We've had a small garden pond for more than 20 years and it has attracted a wide variety of birds, amphbians and insects. In winter it is especially fun to see the same groups of migrating birds returning each year. Trying to adhere to the principles you laid out. My garden is small and urban and full of pollinator friendly plants, natives, mosses, trees and very little lawn. Several of my neighbors employ pest control companies. I like the idea that my small garden is a corridor for wildlife.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's lovely, isn't it? I'm always amazed at how many pollinating insects find the garden shows - there are often lots of bees buzzing around a 'border' that was only installed a day before - they are clearly very good at discovering the options.

[@drawyrral]

This is the most important video you have made. I have always gardened with Nature to bring it closer to me.

[@donaldthomson9411]

Lovely video . We should all regard our gardens as wildlife gardens now as they are such an important habitat. Tidiness is an issue as explained by Joel Ashton recently. It’s a good idea not to cut down herbaceous borders etc till early Spring as they provide an overwinter habitat for many Insects and food for birds. Dead leaves are another example , as many insects live underneath them , so leaving them where they are is more eco friendly.😊

[@tgardenchicken1780]

Wish I could have more that 1 like button. This is how I always thought gardening should be.

[@michellecjackson4956]

thank you for this. I certainly have changed how I garden from 20 years ago.

[@UmbraApocalyptica]

Glad to see that the mentality is changing. It's less work and beneficial for the garden itself. Leaving leaves under my trees also promotes bugs that break them down. And that has attracted a green woodpecker for some years now. It's good that this is being promoted now instead of what came before.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Absolutely

[@laineys5]

Another lovely get in the zone Saturday pre-gardening video with a cup of tea...favourite part of the week...gives me the confidence to style my garden how I like and not fit in with some of the neighbours 🤣and their heavy duty strimming, manicuring and weed spraying...each to their own and it looks lovely, but I think I like the natural softer look and feel to a garden. Happy gardening everyone.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Well said!

[@emkn1479]

I’m so glad to be gardening in a time when this information is readily available.

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

Me as well! I used to clean up my garden in the fall and it was so much work. Now I just leave everything up and in the spring it's in the ground anyway, so less work for me. All the waste is helping the soil and gets covered up by greening plants in the spring. Win win!

[@helenbizzotto8844]

A great video. Thank you. I do hope that the RHS embrace and promote the No Dig concept. This has enormous benefits regarding soil health which has an impact on plant health.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, they sponsored a No Dig border at Hampton Court a few years ago. Personally I love No Dig and have always been a No Dig gardener.

[@laurenb6451]

I tried embracing no dig and was rewarded with many vole condominiums and enormous cutworms in my veg garden. I have withdrawn my embrace!

[@mariedeyo7399]

Hello Alexandra, thank you for this wonderful video. Maybe now folks will leave more leafs in the garden. I always think its so bad that lots germans are often so tidy in the garden. My garden still looks horoble, everything is still in the borders and nothing cut down or cleaned. But the weather is cold and wet and all the old parts are protecting the roots. So thats fine for me to have a bit of mess. See you next time, take care and have a nice weekend. 🖐

[@margaretkarcher1459]

Marie, I've been leaving my leaves and plant clippings around my flowers and trees (I've had my garden for 2.5 years, and planted everything from scratch), and I was so nervous about what the neighbors would think. But I just had a neighbor ask me to help design their garden :) I'm so relieved! I think the messy style helps the plants and flowers look so vibrant and alive, that people find the gardens more engaging. Like the difference between a live music concert and the recording of a song. The recording my be perfect, but the concert is always more exciting.

[@mariedeyo7399]

@@margaretkarcher1459 funny, I starded this garden in August 2020 and there was not much. A dessert of gras and tuja around.. no birds or bees. Now its a somewhat messy food forest with flowers and 3 little pounds with solar pumps. Lot of it is on a slope. I like it wild and the biestis too. And your garden must be just right too, so be prout and have fun doing the garden next door. Hope you have a grand garden year. Here its snowing again. 🖐🌻

[@EsthersGardeningAdventures]

I'm so glad you are taking this on as a topic!

[@anneluepken5369]

Brilliant and inspiring. Thanks Alexandra!

[@francesmclaren7881]

I really enjoyed this session. We have large trees and always use the leaves to mulch around the property. Also we use an old concrete laundry tub from back in the day (NZ) where there are fish, some water lilies and even a frog from time to time. The grandkids love it too.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sounds great!

[@jetliner75]

Yay for gardening for biodiversity. Thank you for making and sharing this video to help promote awareness of this approach to gardening. I have a small town garden, and we got rid of the most of the backyard lawn and planted a garden of mostly native North American plants with the pollinators and birds in mind. We included shrubs and trees, as well. We also installed a heated bird bath for the long Canadian winters, and we have seen cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees drinking and bathing in it, even in January and February. Our strip in the front yard next to the parking spot is a full sun pollinator garden of mostly native plants, as well, and it is buzzing with bees and butterflies all summer long. I think this is really the future of gardening.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! And that sounds beautiful.

[@Barbara-vk4fh]

My grandmother composted with troughs along side each space.

[@VickiesGardenEvolution]

I love this episode! Can you do some more features on planting "native" plants? In the US we are starting to see a push toward more native plants to support pollinators and birds, but it's vital all around the earth. We need native plants to support our native species!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's an incredibly interesting topic and I will definitely do more on it. It's also a bit different in different places - for example, there are few native border plants in the UK (although many of our flower borders really support our pollinators ) We have a good selection of native trees and wildflowers. Studies have shown that 'native' and 'non-native' don't have to be mutually exclusive because sometimes a non native plant will offer accessible pollen and nectar at a time of year when there is little to offer from indigenous plants. The real problem arises when a non-indigenous plant is introduced into a fragile eco-system and then takes over...well, I will definitely have to do more on it!

[@suesandlin-plaehn3565]

Thank you for bringing your wonderful videos! I love your choice of subjects, and look forward to each new topic. I live and garden in Raleigh, NC, USA and still enjoy working in my garden even as I approach my 85th Birthday.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@ruthstolz7127]

Thank you for this encouragement! I have left a "wild" hedge of small trees and shrubs in my small yard. The birds are grateful. I also keep some "weeds' that are edible. I plan to plant edible ground cover in another area. I enjoy your gardening tips.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@gardensenglishanddance]

I have been gardening for biodiversity for donkey's years. I have a small wildlife-friendly city garden which is full of roses, perennials and annual flowers. My (ugly) lawn has almost disappeared :-) I have kept two mature apple trees, I have a bird bath and nest boxes. My garden is visited by countless insects, numerous birds and some small mammals on a regular basis.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That sounds beautiful

[@gardensenglishanddance]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Thank you!

[@juliabinford6500]

Thank you for the interviews and photos from your garden. In my garden, areas under trees where the leaves or needles weren’t raked have much richer soil than raked areas (especially under my larch and Japanese maple trees). This past year, I left leaves everywhere but the lawn and on top of evergreen ground covers. I even mulch my containers with fallen larch leaves.

[@sunnybunny739]

Dear Alexandra, your channel and your posts brightens my days and I am keen on learning more but there are some points to consider. 1. Many modern gardeners are still following the long and worldwide highly appreciate tradition of english gardening. They attempting to step into the shoes of Capability Brown, Gertrude Jekyll and Vita Sackville-West by realising their principles. Passionate gardening is not only providing food for the family like in a traditional cottage garden. It is creating a smaller version of Garden Eden, a private heaven on earth. Surely, one could discuss whether an area with hard landscaping only should be called a "garden" but nevertheless it is the creation of its owner and should be respected. 2. Establishing a garden means establishing a very small ecosystem. Due to its size the ecosystem is not only well balanced but even very sensitive. I think a sudden change in this system i.e. installing a distinct concept like "let it grow, dont mow your lawn and put a pond in it because you need frogs and toads and other amphibias if you want to be really ecofriendly and reduce the carbon dioxid footprint" while sticking to neat and tidy borders and beds does not get along well. It is not only a stylistic inconsistency. Probably one will invite competitive species but changing the established ecosystem and therefore changing the grown composition, coexistence of species and the character of your garden is for sure. Furthermore a garden that is housing annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, flowers, crops, fruits, herbs and even a piece of lawn and that has been developed and maintained over many years is home for a wide range of animals as well. It is already wildlife friendly and ecological. 3. The mere allegation that one can reduce the carbon dioxide footprint for a long time or permanentely by planting and not digging up the soil neglects the complex relation between temperature, microorganisms, moisture, soil and other unknown influencing factors on which the ratio of absorbed and released carbon dioxid depends. Basically the more carbon dioxid in the atmosphere exists the faster plants grow and the more carbon dioxid will be absorbed and released. It is one of many circles of life which we do not fully understand so far. The topmost soil layers absorb carbon dioxid by binding it to other minerals. In this way it gets more nutritious. These are not new insights. Mindful following the traditional way and realising the already known basic principles of gardening is the way I have chosen. I think it is not necessary to fill old wine in new bottles and to call it a "revolution".

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Interesting points, thank you.

[@DownButNotOutYet]

Good morning Alexandre, now I do not feel so guilty. The grass is long, haven't weeded for a while etc., but the grass is looking healthier, probably because it had a good chance to grow and set out new roots even seeded. Last season a friend told me I just raked up the leaves off our pavement 5 bags full, I said where are you going to use it, noo she said it is waste so I jumped in and asked if we can come and collect them. She was just too happy to get rid of them and we were so thankful in receiving them!! Leaves are great for leaf compost and for the borders and under shrubs. You are so spot on. We have not used poisons for a long time. I still have not removed the trees I wanted to, and am glad I left them. Sometimes we do get a bee under our garden bonnets instead of on the roses collecting pollen as they should. I thought the trees took years to grow now I just wish to cut them down, what a waste of time and energy. Always better to wait and think over what you are planning to do. Loved this talk it is very important for the garden. Do take care, enjoy a cup of hot "something" while sitting and appreciating what you have got. Much love, Elize.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! And never feel guilty - I think the garden really likes the chance to get on with it while we enjoy a cup of tea.

[@carmenbailey1560]

I do very little weeding, a layer of mulch makes such a big difference. I have never used chemicals and we compost everything doable. Thanks for sharing 👍❤️😊

[@missprettyplants7217]

This is such a good video! So very important to create a safe space for wildlife and preserve the cycle of nature! Thank you for this awesome video ❤

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@sarahlyon6187]

Great!! So important to think about the big picture! Of course you broadcast all over the world, so talking about native plants in particular areas would be impossible, but I think it is important for the individual to focus on planting native plants in one's own garden. There are so many host-specific insects that need particular plants that they have co-evolved with, and when those plants are missing, those insects don't fare well. I also love how much equanimity you show when you have met with criticism! This quality makes your show alone very worth watching!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! And I agree, the indigenous plants issue is different in different places - in the UK and Europe, trade and migration over thousands of years means we have a low percentage of indigenous plants in most of our gardens and our wildlife has mainly adapted, but at the other extreme Australia is an island continent so very vulnerable to too much sudden importing of non-natives.

[@YoushaAhmad]

I think it is great that you are providing a lot of content bring traditional gardeners over to being more wildlife friendly and more sustainable. Over the years I have looked at various pieces of content on creating a wildlife gardens and yet I have learnt a lot of new information from this channel. Both for wildlife friendly gardening and creating garden designs for those that make gardens appealing in general.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you very much!

[@orchidgarden3124]

This is such important and wonderful information!! We all need to shift our thinking about how our own spaces effect the whole environment. We all have a part to play in healing our ecosystem.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@AnyKeyLady]

Absolutely spot on! We must be working with nature and not against it to maintain a healthy balance in the garden. Tip: run the lawn mower over the leaves and then you can use it as mulch on the beds. Rain or a light sprinkle of water over them will stop them from blowing a away. Don't worry about the little pieces left as it provides carbon and a bit of left of nitrogen. We only have hedges and a lilac tree/shrub so we leave those leaves that have dropped in place. My Dad has a massive old oak tree in his garden (about 4 people holding hands around it) so i am lucky and ask him to collect the leaves for us. Foraging for leaves is great in small amounts but you need to be careful what you bring home, not only for the existing eco system but also for your garden. #knowyourenvironment My hubby adores his lawn so was taken a back when i told him it was no mow May last year! After renovating the house and the garden borders, the lawn was his pet project. Once we relocated the hedges to some of the borders, we still had a raised area at the back left shaded part of the garden. We built a shaded sand pit area (that they never used. "We have sand at Grandmas", meaning the beaches on the IOW, where my Mother in law, used to live before she passed away in Feb 2022). We have had cracks in that area from the old dead trees decaying but last year because of the drought there are more slumpage and cracks. 7 years on, i still think a cultivator would even out the lawn space, especially after we reduced the shingle and increased the grass areas. At the end of the day, it is his project. I did dig out some buttercups and plant them in the border Aug 2021. One of my goals this year is to expand my growing collection of flowers from seeds. We have tons of bulbs, shrubs and bushes and we usually grow marigolds and nasturtiums. Introducing some lobelias and reintroducing wild flowers like poppies, cornflowers later this year. I also want to expand on a water feature other than a bird bath as we get a lots of wildlife from the nearby stream on our left. My focus rn is on my seedlings. If i had known about the shortages i would have planted them sooner. we don't like some things but would have planted them for family and friends.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good to hear, thank you.

[@folee_edge]

RHS's equivalent in the U.S. is the Extension system. I can't tell you how happy I am to see this important change.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Interesting, I've just looked that up as I hadn't heard of it, thank you.

[@francineh.7825]

This was a great episode!! I have a neighbour who frowns upon me leaving my leaves in the autumn and to be honest I'm unconcerned by her judgment as I'm more concerned about our world/environment. I agree I do not like mosquitoes, in fact they were so bad at my place last summer I literally could not stay outside some days, but I know they feed the birds and bats.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I agree with you re the mozzies.

[@mariemcgrath8681]

Great video. In my semi tropical garden (Northern Aust.) I have stacks of wildlife, from birds, mozzies, snakes & possums. Can't handle huge palm fronds after heavey rain, they do not compost down. Love all the skinks, butterflies, beetles, hate the ants & wasps, but they survive regardless. In fact I love my garden, have huge Orchids blooming & it's the end of Summer.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It sounds lovely, mozzies and possums and all!

[@clarecollins2547]

Leaves left on lawns will be pulled down into the ground by worms. I now have some lovely big worms! I really enjoyed this episode. Thank you Alexandra.

[@Quemplanta]

My family used to cultivate some crops like lettuce and kale in our garden but butterflies would lay eggs too often on them which resulted in many catterpilars eating our crops... One day I saw a small lizard and decided to leave a small pot with fresh water to it (I was watering the plants so I figured it was thirsty). Eventually some small lizards started showing up in our very small garden and they would drink water and eat the butterflies. Buttlerflies still come to our garden (cause we have flowers too) but they no longer lay eggs in the crops probably cause they know the lizards will be waiting hahahah Anyway... now I want to plant a native fruit tree for the birds. Wish me luck and good luck in your projects :D

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good luck and that sounds perfect!

[@Quemplanta]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Thank you!! I love your channel 🥰🥰🥰

[@dianeasberry7928]

Great information. I'm trying all this in my garden, it's working quiet well. I do mow my leaves first before placing into the boarders though. The surprise benefit was no weeds. Mowing does keep the leaves in place from blowing in the strong winds we have in Texas.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That's a really good tip.

[@DeborahChapin]

Also the leaves make great weed suppressors so if you want to plant the following year in a location you can put up a pile of leaves with some sticks on top of them and then in the following spring to turn that over it's all rotted down and you're ready to go planting wise.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Absolutely!

[@DeborahChapin]

I also use the green waste and leaves in my square foot garden in the fall. Letting it over winter, stirring it up in the spring turning it to couple times. And that seems to make that soil really rich without hardly any effort at all so it's a good way to bulk up the soil that you have in square-foot gardens.

[@HannaARTzink]

Yes, no chemicals and no mowing noise. Men like lawns and mowing, military men are lawn-prone in particular. Let"s plant flowers, veg or meadows.

[@amyjones2490]

What an important conversation to be having. Fascinating!

[@giennefarcais6834]

I have got to stop watching your videos late at night. They make me want to get out into my garden IMMEDIATELY. I so hope that people start listening to these words of wisdom, especially in suburbia where the lawn is still king and no-mow will get you a nasty letter from the HOA. I have as little lawn as I can get away with, as many trees as I can fit, and I enjoy all the creatures and bird and butterflies that come to visit. Currently they are eating better than I am!

[@bloomintomothering3600]

Great information

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gardentours]

Very wise 👍🏼Good that the RHS is picking up some ideas of permaculture 👏🏼

[@harrystevens5110]

Fabulous video as ever Alexandra. I think that we all need to do our bit to use plants that the animals and bugs will benefit from and contribute to a healthy, wildlife friendly garden. I am planning to plant a crocus lawn in my front garden this autumn for early pollinators and am always looking for plants that wildlife will love all year round. I plant lots of geraniums, nepeta, salvia, lavender, open roses, verbena and foxgloves for the pollinators. I also love lupins for that reason but sadly they don't enjoy my garden and are hit by aphids.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

A lovely selection of plants, though sad about the lupins. I haven't tried them yet, but am thinking of doing so.

[@lissapowell967]

Another very informative and interesting vlog. Thanks for your research and interviews, Alexandra.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@skl5017]

Love this! More on this subject!

[@itsmewende]

I really enjoyed this one. I wish here in the states gardening was taken more seriously, I mean come on, you guys now have a science center devoted to it. I'm on 2 acres and never rake a leaf, after a few mowings they disappear. I have a pond with a short stream, one morning I saw several chickadees enjoying themselves, I had to sit down til they flew off. And the bullfrogs that return every yr are like pets, they lay on the flagstone in the sun and I have to step over them like my cats, they're great too when they hang in the water and float around. Have a wonderful weekend.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Ah, that sounds wonderful!

[@enatp6448]

Love it! Look forward to more inspiration about wildlife gardening ideas.

[@sandrine1202]

Great video and especially great message!! Thank you Alexandra.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@FireflyOnTheMoon]

It's shocking how long it took the RHS to come onside. They fought wildlife gardening tooth and nail with pesticides and uber-control. If main stream UK gardening didn't embrace organic and wildlife gardening, it's partly because the RHS always battled it.

[@lesliekendall5668]

And since we're putting the blame where it's deserved, what burns me up is how much we "little people" love and care for nature while it's the fat cats that have destroyed the planet saying that WE need to give them money so that THEY can fix it 🙄.....as they continue spewing poisons in the air, land, and water and fly in their jets to go to lunch.

[@kareharpies]

EXACTLY!!! If you care to read similar thoughts, I felt compelled to comment [about the rhs] as well. Thank you for being honest.

[@marky3131]

Good on you for talking about this important subject. Well done.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@SpanishEclectic]

I love these concepts and how they combine into a whole philosophy. You do a great job of gathering information from experts, and crystalizing it into these beautiful videos. Grasshoppers always seem to go straight for my roses, lol. We have a number of native oak varieties in San Diego county, and I've been lucky enough to find volunteers in my suburban garden. I've allowed some to grow where they are, others I've dug up and put in containers to plant elsewhere or share. Maybe this will offset the trees that people in the neighborhood decide to cut down. On a larger scale, your viewers might like to know about the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project in Los Angeles, or as I like to call it, 'The Mountain Lion Bridge'. Scientists were concerned that the Mountain Lion population was becoming too genetically limited in the small areas of habitat left to them, because of the extensive Los Angeles Freeway system. This bridge will allow the big cats, and many other species a safe green passageway above the 101 Freeway. :)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That's so interesting, thank you. And lovely to have oak volunteers.

[@singing-sands]

Thank you for a very enjoyable video - both educational and entertaining!! It is hard to set aside years of doing what was considered absolutely essential in my garden and letting go a little bit....or a lot!

[@theresabisson1040]

It can be hard but you will be rewarded by the wonderful changes you see. Thank you for keeping an open mind and you will set an example to so many other gardeners - engaging others in conversation will help turn our gardening practices around for the better.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I always felt guilty about not doing things, and it's taken a while for me to think 'actually, it's better that I didn't!'

[@charlesshene9036]

Thank you very much for your program and the efforts that you invest in them. I have enjoyed, you, Monty Don and Carol Cline, and others on KZbin. I would like to vacation in England perhaps later this summer, or early autumn and was wondering if there is a ??? gardeners/gardening travel guide available for planning purposes? i am not so much interested in crowed events like the Chelsea Flower show, but rather country gardens that are open to the public, or perhaps estate gardens open to the public. I was also planning on walking/hiking tours and visiting some heritage sites. If you have any resources you could alert me to i would appreciate it. If such a thing does not exist I personally feel someone could develop a niche business opportunity for themselves by creating one. Thank you for hearing me.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

This site, Great British Gardens, has lots of choice (some are quite big, well known gardens, but not all): www.greatbritishgardens.co.uk/. It's also worth checking the National Garden Scheme guide: ngs.org.uk/. There are also a few specialist garden tour companies, but I don't know them personally so it's hard to recommend. I hope that helps.

[@folee_edge]

Such important information, and another excellent video 👍

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much - I really appreciate that.

[@MyFocusVaries]

That was so interesting and educational. Thanks.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@philipbrooker8388]

Another wonderful video. I’m all for Bio diversity and wouldnt hurt a fly. My problem is voles. They are so bad that I have to plant everything in a wire mesh cages. They eat everything except certain flowers. This year I am building owl boxes, maybe the owls can reduce the amount. I have a walled garden so maybe this is a reason. Anyway thanks for your wonderful video

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you! I gather voles are a real problem for gardens that have them.

[@lesliekendall5668]

I figure if nature doesn't mow my lawns or rake my leaves then that's how nature wants it. But having said that, I HAVE made designs out of my lawns that I keep tidy. (I'm on a 1/2 acre in the city). And now that I'm cottage gardening, I suspect my small front lawn area will eventually be all paths and flowers. And I still LOVE your scarf. Your son knows you well. 💕

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@marky3131]

Too many people feel that native plant gardens are messy. Well any garden can be messy. It’s the design that determines messiness. Many native plant enthusiasts like natural design but if one wants native plants but a more formal garden can do so. Garden design determines the look of a garden. We plant native in our front yard using mostly native plants but with a formal design. In the backyard we plant less formally

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good point.

[@kareharpies]

On the contrary, i think ordinary folk and citizen scientists are at the heart and spearhead of this gardening movement and the RHS is simply playing glamorous catch up. For one, they only started donating their show garden plants a few years ago, not so long ago they would trash everything after it served its shortlived purpose. For two, I think the RHS has a lot to answer for in how it spent CENTURIES encouraging people to garden and cultivate land; England is deforested and meadowless which shows a fierce disconnect between people and nature that you wouldnt expect from a "nation of gardeners". For three, their historic manic obsession with non native exotics still persists to the point that their wildlife friendly advice is filled with mostly foreign plants. Then they'll throw in the vague catch-all:"and make sure to plant some natives too." And speaking of exotics- they have never once apologized for the effects their irresponsible plant hunting has had on the local ecology of several countries (for three centuries running!). With Turkey on everyone's mind I will remind us all that 2/3 of their bulbs are at risk of being dug up and smuggled out of the country illegally. All those SUPER rare plants that suspiciously end up at so many rhs sponsored shows and competitions by growers who can't recall how they got the original plant material 🤔. So I appreciate the nameless unfamous people who started and drove this revolution through writing blogs, filming vlogs, giving lectures, granting garden tours, and writing books because they did everything. Maybe its my apathy towards the leadership in the country rn, but im tired of thanking our "betters" for finally doing the bare minimum and giving them so much credit when truthfully they are the cause of problems and should've been active in the solution much sooner.

[@sarahlyon6187]

In the US, it is sometimes hard to find native plants (to the area) and plants that have been grown without chemicals. A wonderful organization, the Native Plant Trust has a beautiful garden in Framingham, MA full of just native plants, and the plants are also sold on site. Some of the prominent nurseries in the area are finally starting to sell native plants grown without chemicals. It is a very slow revolution!

[@christinezarvis4761]

I have a question. I live in the US but watch many UK gardening shows. Here we have potting soil for containers and compost to enrich beds. However, often I see UK gardeners use what they refer to as compost for containers, and the bags of material used say Compost. My question: Is UK bagged compost the same as US potting soil?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Here 'potting compost' is the material we use when we plant in pots (almost always bought in bags, so I think the same as your potting soil) and 'garden compost' is the material we make ourselves from garden clippings and kitchen waste.

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

Another way to encourage biodiversity is to grow different plants. For example, in the American South, crape myrtles are used in excess. I like crape myrtles, but there are many other flowering trees. It seems also that when something is grown too much a plague will develop as happened with Dutch elm disease. Popular boxwoods are currently fighting diseases. Confusion to the enemy pathogens.

[@zonabrown9241]

Gr8 episode i live in Australia so water in the garden can be a issues re mosquitos which carry fevers i dont garden 4 neatness

[@scallywags12]

I have been letting leaves on my borders for the past 3 years. Less work and just put compost over the leaves. Let the worms do their jobs!

[@melissahofer2377]

Mmmm - I agree this can be done and done right. I try. But so many are using "natural native planting" as an excuse to do no yard work at all. I Iive in Utah, USA and that results in morning glory (bindweed) and dandelion takeover As a person who hand digs both these ( I try to use the dandelion roots) I'm not thrilled.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I recently had roasted dandelion root served in a restaurant. It was surprisingly nice.

[@makingitthrough190]

Thank you. I am about to create my first garden in the UK for over 35 years having returned to live here. I am wondering if there is any particular importance to planting native species. It seems from some reading that its quite hard to identify what’s native as so many plants were brought here so long ago. Anyway, this is widely encouraged for gardens in Canada. We had several local nurseries specialising in growing them.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's a bit different here, because we've had so many plants imported over so many centuries through trade, migration and even the wind! When I last asked the RHS, they said that it's really good to include native plants, but some non-natives can also supply important flowering early and late in the season, so they suggested a mix.

[@Helen-mh8mq]

Great video!!!So very important. 🥰

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@karencski711]

Great episode. I'm surprised no one mentioned native plants though.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you. We did cover native plants in the interview but there were various technical problems with sound. The topic is included in the accompanying blog post though and I will return to the topic, too. www.themiddlesizedgarden.co.uk/gardening-for-biodiversity-why-changing-rules-good-news-garden-lovers/

[@Margaret-hr3si]

I have grids sown with grass as an over spill car park .Do cultivated prairie style gardens help instead of leaving grass long

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, that's an excellent alternative. Not everyone wants to leave their grass long, and in some parts of the world, it's forbidden, but prairie style grasses also offer benefits for wildlife. In fact, almost all plants offer benefits for wildlife in one way or another, even if some are better than others.

[@CR-di1lg]

good work

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@joanp105]

Wonderful content.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@kevinjamesparr552]

Over 12 bird nesting boxes two owl boxes and compost heaps for bugs only ,worms and all needed. Always left leaves on borders but rest of it is not for me.

[@waygoblue4729]

Can somebody, please, tell me about the fence shown on 14:22? I have a perfect place I could try that if I could find out what that type is fence is called, how to make it, where this one is located, etc. Thank you.

[@ca1904]

Wattle

[@waygoblue4729]

@@ca1904 Ah! I did not know that that was what was referred to when talking about a "wattle fence". I just Googled it and found many examples. Thank you.

[@jansudik9800]

Interesting!

[@lynnf.6649]

Great video!! So much is easy to integrate into one’s practices, however, tall lawn… not a chance! It could become a snake habitat! (I exaggerate a bit, however, we have deadly snakes in many places in the states and tall grass can be a hiding spot)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, I know that can be tricky where there are snakes! Thank you.

[@kevinjamesparr552]

No spraying chemicals is a good way to improve a garden

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Absolutely agree.

[@gardensenglishanddance]

I am quite sure one should not leave rose leaves infected with black spot in the garden (either under the rose bushes or in the compost bins). I always try to collect as many as I can, both in autumn and spring, and I get rid of them.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

If leaves do drop down (and some will), then apparently covering the soil around the roses with a thick layer of mulch can help a bit because it helps stop soil borne spores splashing back up. But black spot seems pretty difficult to deal with, however you do it.

[@gardensenglishanddance]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden I do mulch, but at present I have more than 130 roses in a relatively small city garden, so I need to raise my hygiene standards quite high. I am going to defoliate quite a few roses by hand at the beginning of March because there are still old leaves on some of them and those might be infected too. On the whole, the roses with the ADR certificate are much healthier than the others.

[@kevinjamesparr552]

Do something to show hedgehog homes and where to site them would be so good for many with no skill of woodwork or stone walling .I built a dry stone wall just for hedgehog nest under it and places for many animals and bees to find a hole to shelter inside . Strong foundation an it has stone 12 years in all weathers across orchard . It is in use but took 4 years before hedgehog moved in on permanent living. I have the choice in 5 acres set in veg garden and house lawn and water fountain. At top across it all is my art and craft gardens rooms behind hedges and only way in and out through Peacock tail iron gates and 10 foot tall ancient brick columns as support .Stone Italian putti are mounted each side of gates . Work in progress still .This summer with any luck will bring it to completion and rest cooking dinner on my brick oven for my guests at garden party .Asked YOUNG talent at univ foot lights to bring Wilde play into gardens for me and that will then fit nicely in with my open day event

[@kevinjamesparr552]

I block deer herd with tall fence structure softened by hedges inside garden .Wildlife care must be common sense .Good question time enjoyed it

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Absolutely! Thank you.

[@nicolasbertin8552]

I think compared to French, American and Australian gardening and farming youtube channels, and their understanding of modern agriculture in general, this video is still a bit behind. There's a few key elements that are still "old science" in this video. 1) Compost feeds the soil ? It does not. Mature compost is like potting mix. It will feed your plants, but all the materials have been digested already by some form of soil life. So there's nothing left for mushrooms, bacteria and worms to eat except a few twigs left here and there. So rather than putting your grass clippings, leaves and wood chips in the compost bin, put them on your soil. Feed the worms and shrooms directly, so nothing is wasted. A compost pile will heat up and you'll lose about 20-30% of the carbon content in the form of CO2... So while it's practical as a substrate, to sow carrots for example, it DOES NOT feed the soil. The confusion comes from people who claim they have great gardens using only compost, like Charles Dowding. But they don't use mature compost. They use half done compost, so there is still stuff to eat in there. In my own garden, I only compost stuff that would take root again if I left it on the ground as chop & drop (couch grass and nettle rhizomes for example). 2) Snails, insects and disease only attack weak plants. The previous "science" was saying that if you have too much snail and slug damage it's because you don't have enough predators. That's not the main reason. The main reason is that we plant stuff that's not gonna grow strong enough. For example, we tend to put hostas in a rich soil with plenty of fertilizer coz it gets us big leaves. Well, newsflash, these big leaves are WEAK. They're not healthy even though they look great. So snails and slugs will destroy theses easily digested leaves. While a hosta in a "normal" soil, no fertilizer, like in its native Japan, will grow thick normal sized leaves pests can't eat. It's that simple. With trees, it's often the tree alone in the middle of the lawn that'll make it being attacked by insects and diseases. It's not a healthy tree. A lawn is not a healthy ecosystem, in fact, except bare soil, it's the worst environment. Put the same tree amongst perennials, grasses, shrubs and other trees, and that tree will grow faster and healthy.

[@joannemurphy7407]

I do use leaves in my garden beds, but if I left them all the minor bulbs would be totally hidden when emerging and at bloom. I also rely on self sowing annuals and the thick layer of leaves impedes their germination and growth. Dilemmas for me. Anyone else?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, this is a bit of a dilemma for me too. The self sowing annuals are a big part of my garden, but so far they haven't been too affected by the leaves because the leaves are at least partly broken down by summer when the annuals are self sowing. In terms of covering the bulbs, I do remove a few of the thicker, leathery leaves as they don't break down at all quickly, but the bulbs seem to find their way through the rest. I'll keep an eye on this though.

[@susanhaney3437]

You can shred the leaves and then put them on the beds, then the bulbs can come up through. Some types of leaves will break down enough without shredding.

[@donaldauguston9740]

Boy do I disagree with #3. Allowing my grass to grow long was a horror show and I will NEVER do it again. That said, I will do the other two more often this year than last.

[@marky3131]

I get you on that. The path I’ve gone down is to increase the size and number of beds. That way we reduce the size of the lawn but still keep a traditional yard. It’s not more work by the way. Native plants need less maintenance and we plant heavily so mulching is not needed.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I think it's good that people do the parts of gardening for biodiversity they want to do but not feel they have to do everything. Personally I think even short, manicured lawns are much better for wildlife than pavers or concrete!

[@donnaleone3818]

What do I do about voles? They have moved right in and I’d love to welcome them, but they do so much damage to my already untidy, biodiverse garden.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Oh dear, I do sympathise and have no good advice because I am lucky enough not to have experienced that problem! So sorry. But perhaps other people locally have the same problem - what do they do? (I imagine the solution will not be very biodiverse or wildlife friendly, but....)

[@charliedarwin8481]

I’m disappointed that there was no mention in this otherwise excellent video of the importance of planting native plants and trees in gardens. Many insect and animal species simply cannot use non-native plants for either food, pollen or habitat.

[@suemowat222]

I have plenty of slugs and snails on my garden but the song thrushes don't seem to have heard about them.....

[@sbffsbrarbrr]

😅🤣😂 I don't have that issue at the moment. However, last year the aphids discovered my garden en masse, but the ladybugs and lacewings didn't get the memo!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I sometimes pop a snail on the bird table but I never know if it just crawls away or whether a bird gets it. It can take a while for the memo to circulate, I think!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I also think it can possibly be difficult if many other gardens in your area are spraying against pests as it may affect how many ladybirds survive in your garden. But nature is good at finding a way, ultimately, hope they find you soon!

[@melissamybubbles6139]

I wish that my parents had no lawn in Colorado. It takes up too much water. I don't like mowing it. I could put so many pretty plants there instead. I do their yard work. All well. Dad wants it there.

[@orionbaden-powell1496]

Hurrah for apathy and lazy! Gave up on slugs and snails, have toads and frogs and hedgehogs and always leave water out. Job done

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, I'm always surprised at how well 'lazy' works in gardening!

[@Flower_hoarder]

🪴ALWAYS INFORMATIVE‼️🪴

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@slomo1716]

It's this nonsensical thinking which causes our WILDFIRES in our western States in the USA. Flying over Colorado with perpetual wildfires which decimates our wildlife! Because not taking proper care of underbrush which fuels the wildfires, either natural or set. I get so excited seeing bunnies and hummingbirds in my community gardens, which now have NO PLACE to live because of the impact and destruction of woods to build another elementary "cesspool" school!! I miss the morning bird song and the delightful sounds of spring frogs. I planted sunflowers to attract birds and flowers/plants for hummingbirds. Most importantly I plant veggies for canning.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

The wildfires must be very frightening. I agree morning birdsong is a real joy.

[@lesscott4301]

Hold on though, 'Don't remove your leaves but make leaf mould' ????????

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Don't remove your leaves in borders, but where you need to remove them (ie off paths where they can be slippy, then use them to make leaf mould).