Somerset’s rich and diverse landscape provides the perfect backdrop for creating stunning gardens that support local ecosystems. At Mad About Gardens, we’re passionate about incorporating native plants into our designs to enhance biodiversity and create thriving, low-maintenance gardens across Somerset, East Devon, Buckinghamshire, and Surrey. Let’s explore the benefits of using native flora and discover some of the best plants to include in your garden.
Why Choose Native Plants?
Native plants have evolved to thrive in specific climates and soil conditions. By choosing these plants for your garden, you’re not only creating a beautiful landscape but also supporting local wildlife and promoting biodiversity. Native plants typically require less water, fertiliser, and pesticides, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for your garden.
Somerset’s Native Plant Gems
Wildflowers
Meadows are renowned for their stunning wildflowers. Incorporating these into your garden can create a vibrant, naturalistic look while supporting pollinators:
– Common Poppy (Papaver rhoeas): These iconic red flowers bring a splash of colour and attract bees and butterflies.
– Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare): With their cheerful white petals and yellow centres, these daisies are perfect for meadow-style gardens.
– Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta): These beloved spring flowers thrive in shaded areas and create a magical carpet of blue.
Shrubs and Trees
Native shrubs and trees provide structure, shade, and vital habitats for wildlife:
– Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna): This versatile shrub offers beautiful spring blossoms and autumn berries, attracting birds and insects.
– Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia): With its delicate leaves and bright red berries, the rowan tree is a stunning addition to any garden.
– Field Maple (Acer campestre): This small, hardy tree provides beautiful autumn colour and supports a wide range of wildlife.
Grasses and Sedges
Native grasses add texture and movement to your garden while providing shelter for insects and small animals:
– Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa): This elegant grass forms attractive clumps and produces airy flower heads.
– Pendulous Sedge (Carex pendula): Perfect for damp areas, this sedge adds architectural interest with its long, arching leaves.
Creating a Native Plant Garden
When designing your native plant garden, consider the following tips:
- Assess your site: Take note of sun exposure, soil type, and moisture levels in different areas of your garden.
- Group plants with similar needs: Place plants with similar water and sunlight requirements together for easier maintenance.
- Create layers: Combine trees, shrubs, and ground cover plants to mimic natural habitats and provide diverse wildlife support.
- Include water features: Even a small pond or birdbath can significantly increase biodiversity in your garden.
- Embrace a wilder aesthetic: Allow some areas of your garden to grow more naturally, providing shelter and food for wildlife.
Maintaining Your Native Plant Garden
One of the joys of using native plants is their low-maintenance nature. However, some care is still required:
– Water new plants regularly until established.
– Avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilisers.
– Leave seed heads and dead foliage over winter to provide food and shelter for wildlife.
– Prune shrubs and trees as needed to maintain shape and health.
At Mad About Gardens, we’re committed to creating beautiful, biodiverse gardens that celebrate native flora. Our expert teams based in Somerset, East Devon, Buckinghamshire, and Surrey are ready to help you transform your outdoor space. We offer full installation services in these areas, ensuring that your garden is not just designed but also expertly implemented.
For those outside our installation areas, we’re pleased to offer our design-only services nationwide. Whether you’re in Cornwall or Cumbria, our team can create a bespoke garden design that incorporates native plants and enhances biodiversity in your local area.
Ready to transform your garden into a haven for native plants and wildlife? Contact Mad About Gardens today. Our expert team can help you design and implement a beautiful, biodiverse garden that thrives in your unique environment. Let’s work together to enhance your outdoor space and support our local ecosystems, no matter where you are in the UK.
