Do you have a wild area that needs a little taming?
This project is a great example of how we can work with nature to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. By blending careful management with a respect for the wild, we've helped these homeowners rediscover the joy of their garden.
Wild Area River Dart Garden
Autumn is upon us here in Totnes, and while the changing leaves paint a beautiful picture, they also signal the need for some serious garden tidying. This week, we tackled a particularly wild garden that had become a bit overrun.
The owners were keen to reclaim their view of the River Dart, which had become completely obscured by overgrown shrubs and rampant vines.
Our mission was twofold:
Restore the vista: Carefully clear back the unruly vegetation to reopen that stunning view of the Dart.
Maintain the wild: Preserve the natural charm and biodiversity of the space.
It was a delicate balancing act, but we love a challenge!
As you can see, the transformation is remarkable. By selectively removing overgrown branches and clearing out dense undergrowth, we've created a more open and inviting space. The River Dart is once again a focal point, and the garden feels more connected to its beautiful surroundings.
But we didn't stop there. We also took the opportunity to:
Shape existing shrubs: We pruned back some of the larger shrubs to improve their structure and encourage healthier growth.
Clear pathways: We tidied up the existing pathways, making them safer and more accessible.
Remove invasive species: We identified and removed any invasive plants that were threatening to take over.
This project is a great example of how we can work with nature to create beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. By blending careful management with a respect for the wild, we've helped these homeowners rediscover the joy of their garden.
Do you have a wild area that needs a little taming?
Creating a Haven for Wildlife in Rattery
We recently had the pleasure of working on a fantastic project in the nearby village of Rattery. Our clients, passionate about wildlife and biodiversity, wanted to transform a section of their garden into a haven for local creatures.
The area was already quite wild, with a mix of native trees and shrubs. However, it lacked diversity and structure, and there was limited habitat for wildlife.
Our approach was to enhance the existing features while introducing new elements to create a more dynamic and inviting space for wildlife. We focused on:
Layering vegetation: We planted a variety of native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers to create a layered effect, providing food and shelter for a range of species.
Adding a water feature: We installed a small pond to attract amphibians, dragonflies, and other water-loving creatures.
Building a log pile: We created a log pile using deadwood from the garden, providing a home for insects, hedgehogs, and other small mammals.
Leaving some areas undisturbed: We left some areas of long grass and wildflowers to grow wild, providing valuable habitat for pollinators and other insects.
The results have been fantastic! The garden is now a thriving ecosystem, buzzing with life and color. Our clients are delighted with the transformation, and we're proud to have played a part in creating a haven for wildlife in their own backyard.
Key takeaways from this project:
Even small changes can make a big difference: You don't need a huge garden to make a positive impact on wildlife.
Native plants are essential: Choose plants that are native to your area to provide the best food and habitat for local wildlife.
Water is a magnet for wildlife: A pond, even a small one, can attract a wide range of creatures to your garden.
Deadwood is valuable habitat: Don't throw away deadwood – use it to create a log pile or leave it in a corner of your garden to rot down naturally.
If you're inspired to create a wild area in your own garden, get in touch! We'd love to help you transform your outdoor space into a haven for wildlife.
