Gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost has shared his expert insights on cultivating a garden that actively welcomes wildlife, revealing seven specific plant varieties he's currently nurturing for this very purpose. As the harsh January conditions begin to recede and the promise of spring approaches, Frost's guidance offers a timely blueprint for gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces' natural appeal.
The Philosophy Behind a Wildlife-Friendly Garden
For the celebrated gardening maestro, the fundamental principle lies in diversity and consistent provision. In a feature for BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, Frost emphasised that attracting a rich variety of wildlife requires a strategic approach.
"To attract the greatest diversity of wildlife, you need a wide range of plants in your garden," Frost explained. "First, include different layers of plants, then try to provide habitats and food all year round."
Adam Frost's Seven Chosen Plants for Wildlife
The television favourite has meticulously selected a collection of plants that serve various functions across the seasons. Here is his detailed list, designed to create a thriving ecosystem in your own garden.
- Sambucus nigra 'Thundercloud'
This versatile shrub is a cornerstone of Frost's plan. It thrives in both sun and semi-shade, offering dark purple leaves and frothy pink summer flowers. The subsequent dark berries provide a valuable food source, making it an attractive and beneficial plant over an extended season.
- Rosa 'Shropshire Lass'
Described by Frost as perhaps his favourite climbing rose, this variety prefers north-facing walls. It produces large, open white flowers that are excellent for attracting butterflies and bees. Later, the plant yields edible hips, which serve as nourishment for birds.
- Polystichum setiferum (Fern)
Ferns like this species add what Frost calls "lovely understorey interest" in shaded areas. Their foliage creates essential habitat and shelter for small mammals, insects, and even amphibians, adding a crucial structural layer to the garden.
- Dahlia merckii
A tall native of Mexico, this dahlia brings late-season colour with its small, single open flowers in shades of lilac pink. It is a magnet for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Frost notes that a deep winter mulch helps keep it hardy through colder months.
- Phlomis russeliana
The foliage of this plant offers refuge for beneficial insects like spiders and ladybirds. It produces distinctive yellow summer blooms, and its seedheads become a vital winter food source for finches during the colder period.
- Snowdrops
These charming, instantly recognisable white flowers are excellent for naturalising in shaded spots. Frost highlights their resilience, noting they will bloom even on the chilliest days, providing early-season interest and resources.
- Delphinium requienii
This reliable biennial plant will self-seed and grow to approximately one metre in height. Its blooms are particularly beneficial for pollinators, including butterflies and long-tongued bumblebees, supporting insect life throughout its flowering period.
Creating a Year-Round Sanctuary
Adam Frost's selections are carefully curated to ensure that a garden offers more than just seasonal beauty. By incorporating plants like the berry-bearing Sambucus, the winter-feeding Phlomis seedheads, and the early-blooming snowdrops, gardeners can provide habitats and sustenance across all twelve months.
The ultimate goal, as Frost articulates, is to build a layered, diverse environment. This approach not only increases the odds of attracting a wide array of birds, insects, and other creatures but also transforms gardening into a dynamic interaction with the natural world. As spring approaches, implementing these tips can turn any outdoor space into a flourishing haven for wildlife.
