Ely Cathedral Home & Garden Show
Design Rationale
“The Little Pocket of Nature”
This design shows that even in a compact space you can bring in wildlife and create a calm and tranquil atmosphere to be enjoyed by all.
The garden is constructed using predominantly reclaimed materials which helps to create a cozy natural space, for butterflies, bees and birds to enjoy natures produce and for everyone to see and hear the wonders of wildlife in action.
Homes and habitats are created for other insects and invertebrates by leaving placed log piles, wooden posts with small holes placed within the planting and pebbles that allow areas for insects to hide.
By bringing in a diverse variety of plants for all seasons, this “little pocket of nature,” provides multiple pollinating insects with nectar-rich pollen flowers, leaves for caterpillars, and seed-heads for insects to overwinter in. All of these plants will encourage beneficial insects, hoverflies, ladybirds and lacewings as well as butterflies, moths and bees.
By including a source of water, it allows birds to wash any grubs from their feathers and to bathe or drink. It will also encourage frogs and toads. Bring in water and the wildlife will come.
Planting includes species such as Valerian officinalis, Verbena bonariensis, V. hastata, Knautia macedonica, Liatris spicata.
All species chosen are true wildlife magnets and known for their nectar and pollen rich flowers and are great for attracting pollinators.
Eryngium species is loved by pollinators, and the seed-heads can remain throughout the winter to provide food and habitats.
2D Concept
copyright ARC Garden Design
The Little Pocket of Nature (Pictures from the show)
Planting Palette