For many gardeners, it is a priority to welcome local wildlife into the space. The clients in this case were no exception, as the primary goal for the garden design shown above was to create a space that was as wildlife-friendly as possible. Food production was a secondary though also important goal.
The clients appreciate their relatively large garden plot, and want to ensure that they use their space to support wildlife in their area. They were concerned by habitat losses and excessive amounts of paving in surrounding areas, and wanted to counteract that by creating a large wildlife pond and other wildlife-friendly habitat.
They reached out for help in creating a design that could work well for wildlife while also making their garden a pleasing place to spend time, and growing some fruit and other food for their family in a way that would not take up too much of their time.
Key Features of Wildlife-Friendly Permaculture Gardens
As you can see above, key elements of my design are:
- A pergola and arbour with climbing plants, and a vertical garden (which, along with layered planting elsewhere, ensure good use of the vertical dimension as well as the horizontal space).
- Raised beds for annual polycultures – growing typical annual crops and companion plants.
- Multi-functional elements – such as a bench seat that doubles as storage.
- A large pond that will not only be wonderful for wildlife, but which will also help to cool adjacent outdoor living areas in summer and create a slightly milder microclimate around it through the winter months.
- Diverse wildflower planting, including some native species commonly considered ‘weeds’.
- A full, layered food forest with fruit trees, shrubs, climbers, and herbaceous plants.
- A mixed native hedgerow and native trees, creating a transition between this garden and some further trees on neighbouring properties to the south and south west.
Improving Human Habitat With Wildlife-Friendly Design
As I created this design I thought about how a wildlife-friendly garden not only nurtures ecological health but also improves human well-being.
When we create a harmonious environment where people and nature thrive together we are not just helping other creatures we are also helping ourselves. We are reclaiming our space within nature, rather than seeing ourselves as separate and apart.
Improving human habitat through wildlife-friendly design creates healthier, more resilient and more enjoyable living spaces. Not only can we thoroughly enjoy bringing wildlife close, we also benefit in practical ways – such as stress-reduction, micro-climate improvement, and enriching sensory experience that can make us happier and healthier.
If you are interested in creating outdoor living spaces that allow you to live more in harmony with the natural world around you, and want to welcome wildlife while also improving things for yourself and your family, please contact me to discuss design or consultancy for your property.
EWSP Consultancy 