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I’m going to plant my bulbs earlier this year, to avoid disturbing any hibernating creatures in colder weather. I've just bought 20 winter aconites, 20 Nectaroscordum siculum, and the Gardeners’ World magazine offers: 100 free alliums and 160

. Hot and humid is best, apparently.In any one area, ants from thousands of nests will take to the skies at once, forming large, mating swarms. It's exciting, not least for insect-eating birds, which have rich pickings for a day or two. Of the bird

the National Bat Helpline first for advice on 0845 1300 228.

it's not legal, but I'm not aware of anyone being prosecuted for it.I attended a wildlife gardening conference recently, where one of the speakers, Jan Miller, author of Gardening for Butterflies, Bees and other benificial insects gave a presentation

landscape.Native plants are much better for our wildlife than introduced ones. A native tree (such as oak or hawthorn) might provide food and shelter for 150 insects, birds and other animals, but an introduced one (such as Japanese maple) is often devoid

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

bought it, so I'd take responsibility for it.The tree spent a few weeks in the garden, looking just as sad as those on the canal. Then I took the secateurs to it. I removed all the branches and gathered them together in bundles for insects to shelter in

If you're bearing a grudge against your neighbours, one way to exact revenge is plant a leylandii hedge in your garden. Left unclipped, it could grow to up to 35m high and 5m wide. It will be a haven for garden birds, insects and even the odd mammal

for wildlife: "move any debris to a corner of the garden out of sight, but where it can still benefit insects and mammals."My garden is just 4m² and less than a year old, but I’ve managed to attract a host of wild creatures, including blue tits and great tits

tomatoes' flavour). Strong-smelling basil and flat-leafed parsley deter whitefly and, when in flower, coriander attracts beneficial insects.Most of these herbs prefer full sun, but they don't get that in my shady garden. And a bit of shade can be good