Drought Tolerant Wildlife Garden

A small north east facing garden which receives a huge amount of sunlight throughout the year. The garden is not overlooked by any houses due to being located next to a park. This meant we were able to work with the borrowed landscape of Salix caprea (Goat Willow) and Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore) trees and plant sun-loving wildlife friendly plants which are happy baking in gravel.

The garden was divided into two zones: A terrace and dining area located next to the house features riven grey sandstone paving laid in stretcher bond pattern which compliments the grey ceramic kitchen tiles, this creates an affect that the small garden feels a lot larger than it is. 

The second zone is a tranquil gravel garden, which features low level seating and a fire bowl.

The gravel garden features wildlife friendly plants; Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Ballerina', Olea europaea (Olive), Pittosporum tobira evergreen shrubs for year round structure then perennials with a long season of interest to attract wildlife; Echinacea purpurea, Persicaria 'Superba', Echinops ritro 'Veitch's Blue', a few edible plants also feature: Ficus (Fig), Rosmarinus officinalis, Thymus vulgaris and Origanum vulgare. Climbers have been trained along the wall and fencing : Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine) and Akebia quinata (Chocolate vine). These plants provide plenty of nectar and pollen for visiting insects.

Lighting has been included throughout the planting borders to allow the garden to be used after dark for social or recreational use. Installing lighting means the garden can be enjoyed from inside the house during the winter months.