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Open 7 days a weekIf you are a fan of our Planet Positive emails then look out for our monthly blog posts helping you grow a greener garden. This month we're focusing on 5 ways to help wildlife thrive into Spring.
Remember when you visit us in-store look out for the green bee for our pick of eco-friendly products! Plus we'd love to see the Planet Positive changes you are making in your garden – tag us in your photos on facebook and instagram #strivingtobegreener.
(Image credit right: Wildlife World)
Keep feeding the birds
Surprisingly early Spring can be the hardest time for birds as there is very little natural food sources left after Winter. Make sure to keep offering a nutrient, fat rich diet to see your feathered friends through and don’t forget to put out fresh water. Download our handy guide for what food to put out to attract which birds, or if you are completely new to bird feeding our bird blogs are a good place to start.
Put up a nest box
Birds start looking for a new home to raise their young from around the middle of February when the mating season begins. Different birds prefer different-sized nest boxes and entrance holes, so spend some time observing which varieties visit your garden. Look for a sheltered spot to locate your bird box, away from direct wind and safe from surfaces where predators can reach. Make sure to clean out any existing nestboxes ready for the nesting season, or choose a new one from our Planet Positive selection in-store.
(Image credits, far left: Bernd Dittrich on Unsplash. Far right: Annemarie Schaepman on Unsplash)
Plant crocuses and primroses
As sleepy bees and other pollinators come round after hibernation, they will be looking for some early flowering plants to supply much needed nectar. Put out a tasty meal in the form of potted primroses and crocuses or treat them to a flowering shrub like Mahonia which flowers through the Winter months. As well as bringing a cheerful dash of colour, dandelions are a great source of early Spring food for bees so leave them thriving in your borders and lawn.
Create a living hedge
February is a great time to plant a living hedge. Unlike fences hedges provide much needed shelter to nesting birds, insects and small mammals like hedgehogs. Planting a hedge doesn’t have to be costly, especially if you opt for bare root shrubs, trees or hedging. When planning your green boundary think about planting varieties which will provide an easy source of pollen, berries or seeds – or invest in fruit trees which will benefit you as well as your local wildlife. The right hedge is the one made from plants that best suit your garden and soil so if you are not sure just ask our friendly plant team for advice. For more planting inspiration read our guide on planting a wildlife attracting border.
(Image credit: Hannah Mcbride on Unsplash)
Planet Positive project of the month: Make a wildlife pond
Our plant manager Dan writes a monthly gardening page for Inside Kent Magazine. This month Dan is big on Ponds!
“They are great for wildlife and these kinds of habitats are needed more than ever!”
“They don’t need to be huge either. Provided you can have one section that is at least 2 feet deep to avoid winter freezing then you can make it as small or large as you like. Try to make gently sloping edges to enable wildlife to easily enter and exit your pond. If you have a more formal pond with built up edges then you can use a log or plank of wood to create a ramp for the same purpose. February is a good month to start because the wet spring weather should help fill it up for you.” (Inside Kent Magazine)
We love the idea of a small, container pond – ideal for any garden, patio or balcony. Containers ponds are a great way to get kids involved with looking after wildlife too. For a simple step-by-step guide visit the RHS website, then pop into Millbrook for all your materials.
