7 . Marshes - Damp soil borders and marshy areas are much easier to create than ponds and are safer for young children. They are the ideal habitat for many very striking wild flower species.

8. Ponds - Ponds add a certain quality to any garden. Many of our most spectacular wild flowers are found in pond and marsh and will act as a `magnet' to surrounding wildlife.

9. Wild flowers for chalk - Some of our prettiest and most delicate wild flowers grow only on chalk. This habitat can be reproduced inexpensively and relatively easily by creating a chalk bank and planting with suitable species.

10. Rockeries and dry stone walls - This very dry environment can be exploited by planting wild flowers adapted to the conditions; adding interesting foliage and colour.

11. Informal lawns - An informal lawn is probably the intermediate step between a formal lawn and a meadow and is often created adjacent to a formal lawn and sown at the same time. It contains species tolerant of close cutting and if mowing is relaxed in summer, an enchanting display of flowers can be enjoyed for many weeks. When mowing is recommenced no harm will come to the plants, and the practice can be repeated annually.

12. Wild flower meadows - We offer seed for six types of wild flower meadow. There are many grassy areas within or near the garden which are an expensive chore to maintain. These areas are often under utilised and transformed into meadow areas would enhance the surroundings, provide valuable wildlife habitats and reduce the cost and management.

13. Medicinal and culinary herbs - Prior to modern medicine, plants were widely used to cure our ills and there is now a renewed interest in their therapeutic and curative properties.

14. Butterfly and bee border - at Langar we have a herbaceous border comprising selected species of herbs, wild flowers and cottage garden plants. Many visitors are so impressed that they wish to reproduce it in their own gardens

15. Woodland - A woodland urea using native trees and shrubs acts as an ideal background to plant woodland wild flowers and under-plant bulbs. This produces a continual source of interest throughout the year and attracts insects, birds and mammals.

16. Wildlife hedgerows - Providing corridors for wildlife and a source of interest throughout the year, wildlife hedgerows have attractive foliage in spring, flowers in summer; berries, hips and leaf colour in autumn and winter.

17. Climbers - There are a variety of wild climbing plants that the gardener can grow. Plant to climb through existing trees, shrubs and hedgerows or over pergolas etc.

18. Wild roses - More suited to the cottage garden than modern hybrid roses, some species make superb hedges and many provide autumn and winter colour with their attractive hips.

19. Fragrant lawns - Chamomile, thyme and clover lawns are ideal around seats for providing fragrance and colour in specific areas.

20. Patio tubs - Combinations of wild flowers are good subjects for patio tubs, pots and hanging baskets. Many wild flowers are drought tolerant and/or of spreading habit, making them ideal.

In order of merit, we would probably cite the following projects as the most effective in bringing wildlife into the garden:

1 - Pond and marsh.
2 - Creation of a wild flower meadow.
3 - Planting a mixed hedgerow of native species and later planting of associated herbaceous wild flowers and climbers.
4 - Creation of woodland habitat.
5 - Butterfly and bee border.

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