Scarlett and Louise
Would you like to attract more wildlife to your garden? W6 Garden Centre has everything you need to create an environment that nourishes birds, butterflies, hedgehogs, frogs…
‘The sheer pleasure of connecting with nature can never be over-estimated, and that’s been very evident during the pandemic,’ reflects Louise Alhadeff, the Manager of W6 Garden Centre. ‘Whether large or small, a garden is our piece of the natural world and making it welcoming to wildlife brings such rewards.
‘We have the expertise to help create a beautiful, wildlife-friendly habitat. We stock a wide range of top quality seasonal plants, shrubs and trees which will nurture animals year-round, our Urban Garden Services teams can assist in revamping your space and, if you need practical advice, pop down to W6 and discuss your plant selection with one of our knowledgeable staff. You can always stop and enjoy a delicious cake and coffee at our award-winning Café!’
Currently, the Garden Centre is collaborating with Hammersmith & Fulham Council on its major initiative to promote the best principles of ecology, sustainability and wildlife diversity. ‘It’s a fantastic local project and we’re delighted to be involved,’ says Louise.
‘There are so many private gardens in the borough. Some residents may think: “Oh, it’s only my little plot, I can’t do that much.” But, when you join up those gardens and add in public green spaces, that’s a huge area of land in which we can make a significant positive difference. These green corridors are essential to urban wildlife. To demonstrate what can be achieved, Scarlett, our in-house ecology expert, has used a variety of nectar-rich plants to build a Bee and Butterfly Corner here at W6.’
Perhaps one of the most common misconceptions about wildlife-friendly gardening is that it means immediately letting everything run wild. ‘The thought of ending up with an unkempt jungle does put people off,’ admits Louise. ‘But it’s not the reality. You can still have a lovely garden – the animals will control pests – and you don’t have to transform it in one fell swoop. It’s simply a matter of being conscious of nature and introducing step-by-step changes.
‘A key addition to make is water, whether that’s a pond or an upturned dustbin lid. Like us, nature needs water and you’ll suddenly see animal life multiply as birds, insects, butterflies, frogs and newts form a wildlife chain.
‘Equally vital is to grow plants and shrubs that attract insect life, for example Hellebores for winter and early spring and Lavender, Salvia, Buddleia and Echinacea for summer. Planting shrubs with berries, such as Rowan, Blackthorn and Hawthorn, will be a valuable food source for birds in autumn and winter.’
Other tried and tested tips include keeping some parts of the garden more natural – that might mean turning a blind eye to the odd weed or leaf litter – adding cover and nesting sites with climbers, providing a bird bath or bug hotel, not blocking the gaps under fences and keeping one patch of lawn longer.
‘Most importantly, whenever possible avoid using pesticides and insecticides – we can recommend the best natural alternatives,’ says Louise. ‘Personally, I love gardening with wildlife, it brings me such joy. When you engage with nature, it adds a new dimension; you get the fun and the animals get the benefit.’
For information about Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s campaign to support nature and bio-diversity, visit:
https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/environment/climate-and-ecological-emergency
W6 Garden Centre and Café
17 Ravenscourt Avenue,
Hammersmith W6 0SL
02085637112
info@w6gc.co.uk
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Photography: Annabel Moeller
http://www.annabel.photography/