Very few suburban or modern properties have enough space to create a real wild garden — created close to buildings they tend to look unkempt — but even the tiniest plot can be used to make a wildlife garden. This involves choosing a basic structure to suit the shape of the plot and your needs, and then choosing plants with insects, birds and animals in mind.

Some source of water is also essential, but it needn’t be a pond — almost any container sunk in the ground will do. Put stones on one side to help animals which venture too far; to get out. A small bog garden, created using polythene sheeting (with holes created in it by a fork to allow slow drainage), will make the whole look more natural and increase the available range of plants which can be used.

Veronica pectinata rosea