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As someone who is potty about wildlife gardening, I was more than a little happy to learn that biodiversity was the central theme at this year's Malvern Spring Gardening Show. Between now and Sunday there's plenty to keep gardeners and wildlife

In 1985, Chris Baines created the first ever wildlife garden at the Chelsea Flower Show. Apparently it caused quite a stir - wildflowers in those days were often dismissed as 'weeds' - and his medal was mistakenly inscribed "Chris Baines, for a

I seem to be bucking a trend among homeowners. Rather than paving over my garden, I have 'un-paved' it, unlocking the earth and growing a range of plants to provide habitats for wildlife.The paving of front gardens is becoming increasingly common

right away.3. Insulate outside tapNot only must I turn off the stopcock to my garden tap to isolate the water supply (mine is almost hidden behind pipework under the kitchen sink), but I must wrap insulation material round the brass tap itself. Again, I

to wildlife is enormous, especially at this time of year. It provides year-round shelter for a wide range of wild creatures, and in autumn its flowers and berries feed wildlife far later than most garden plants.Last year I spoke to Richard Reynolds, author

Who said gardening wasn't easy? Okay, maybe some parts aren't that simple - grafting, propagation, weeding on cliffs, getting rid of slugs and innumerable other things but some aspects of gardens are unbelievably straightforward.Look at this picture

in case wasps buzz out and start chasing you! (Oh, how I hate wasps).It’s that continual problem wildlife gardening: allowing creatures to have a little, but not a bite out of everything. They’re like toddlers at a birthday party, browsing the plates

concentrating on carbon taxes perhaps greater emphasis should be put on plants.Well, gardeners know the value of plants, and in addition to their numerous benefits to local wildlife and me I'm now inspired to consider how I can use them to keep my home warmer

, replacing it with paving or gravel, are denying insects and birds an opportunity to come into their gardens to feed. And personally, wildlife is always welcome in my garden.

and (hopefully) entertaining shows with great gardeners like Pippa Greenwood, Anne Swithinbank, Alys Fowler and Kevin Smith on far ranging topics like orchids, pest control, thrifty tips and wildlife gardening.What a mix. In one show we could be describing