There are literally thousands of beautiful flowers available to buy these days in garden centres and nurseries, but many of these are not native plants to the British Isle, and so do not always benefit the wild creatures that visit our gardens throughout the year.
Many gardeners are now recognising the need to provide spaces for native plants and creatures as the beautiful natural wild land around us gradually diminishes, and wild flower gardens are becoming increasingly popular. Wild flowers are diverse and also have the benefits of being hardy, robust plants that bloom for much of the year, and so can make a wonderful impact in your garden with some careful planting and planning.
Wild Flower Rules
Many countries have laws that protect the wild plants and creatures and it is illegal to up root wild flowers, so you cannot simply go out into the countryside and select your own plants. Instead you can buy many wild flower seeds and plants at garden centres and nurseries all round the country, or order them online from specialised websites. It is a good idea to do some research and find out which wild plants would feel at home in your garden, although many blooms such as honeysuckle, foxgloves and forget-me-nots will grow just about anywhere, and try and pick those plants that will support local wildlife such as bees, butterflies and birds.
Natural Planning
When you are planning your wild flower garden it is important to think about the layout of the plants, trees and shrubs, and place them so that they create a haven that encourages wildlife into your garden. Birds love thick hedges and shrubs as they provide good shelter and protection from predators, and native trees such as hawthorn, oak, beech and willow birch are great for supporting a whole range of birds, insects and other animals.
Dense undergrowth also provides shelter for wildlife, so don’t plant too sparsely, or prune shrubs and trees back too much. There are many native and introduced plants that bear berries, nuts and seeds in autumn, and these are vital to supporting wildlife throughout the winter, so look out for shrubs such as cotoneaster, pyracantha, heather, lavender and ivy, as these all provide food for birds and animals in the colder seasons. 
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