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Call to boost biodiversity in the garden

Tuesday, 28 February 2006 12:00 AM

Gardening experts are aiming to raise awareness of ways to boost biodiversity in the garden.

Biodiversity is the chosen theme for this year's Britain in Bloom awards, with the intention of motivating local residents and others to think about biodiversity when undertaking Bloom projects.

Judges will be looking for a healthy balance of planting styles, incorporating a variety of habitats which support a wide range of wildlife, such as aquatic planting for amphibians.

To encourage amateur gardeners to think about biodiversity, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which organises the Bloom awards, has published a list of plants that gardeners should use to encourage biodiversity.

Planting poached egg plants, for example, will encourage hoverflies and bees, while crab apples will encourage birds, bees, butterflies and moths.

In addition, Britain in Bloom communities across the UK will be holding special biodiversity events throughout the summer, and will be recording their experiences on the www.wildaboutgardens.org.uk website.

The website is a joint project between the RHS and the Wildlife Trusts to highlight ways in which nature conservation and gardening can go hand in hand.

"We want to build awareness that gardens - private or public - don't have to go wild to support wildlife. It is possible to include traditional and formal planting schemes in the parks and gardens and still support thriving habitats.

"By incorporating a range of native and non-native planting schemes, people can provide food sources and range of habitats for wildlife, as well as creating beautiful environments beneficial to people."

For more information on the Britain in Bloom awards go to: www.rhs.org.uk/britaininbloom/shortlist2006.asp

RHS list of plants to encourage biodiversity

  • Limnanthes douglasii (poached egg plant) - for hoverflies and bees.
  • Heliotropium arborescens 'Chatsworth' (cherry pie plant) - for bees and butterflies.
  • Echinacea purpurea 'Elton Knight' (coneflower) - good late nectar source for bees and butterflies.
  • Solidago 'Goldenmosa' (goldenrod) - for birds, bees and butterflies.
  • Primula veris (cowslip) - a good native butterfly food plant.
  • Rosa rubiginosa (sweet briar) - a nectar source for birds, bees and butterflies.
  • Viburnum opulus 'Compactum' (guelder rose) - native species for birds and bees and a butterfly nectar source.
  • Pyracantha Saphyr Rouge 'Cadrou' (firethorn) - a beneficial insect nectar source.
  • Malus 'John Downie' (crab apple) - for birds, bees, butterflies and moths.
  • Sorbus aucuparia 'Sheerwater Seedling' (rowan) - native species for birds, bees and butterflies.

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