wildlife haven in the shade?

[bonbon]

Hello there! I am hoping to attract wildlife to my smallish suburban garden. i am lucky enough to already have some established trees and bushes but there is a patch in the middle, surrounded by overgrown loveliness, piles of leaves and wood, where a greenhouse once stood many years ago. it is just baron, nothing is growing on it but a few weeds. lots of birds visit our garden which is lovely but what could i plant in this shady spot to make the most of this space? i would appreciate any input as i am new to all of this - this is my first garden as a grown up! i have two 6 year old that would like to be involved too! thanks to all! x

[camo]

Plant a pond, but make it safe for your children to enjoy the water and the wealth of life it will attract. It need only be small, can be maintenance free and the plants that like their feet in water grow quickly.

Roy

[Susie]

Originally Posted by bonbon

there is a patch in the middle, surrounded by overgrown loveliness, piles of leaves and wood

I just love this expression, it is so evocative.

I am assuming that you want to keep the shady nature of this quiet spot? If so I would second what Camo suggested but perhaps go for a bog garden with some very shallow water to one side and a log pile on the other. A perfect cool place on a warm day for mammals and birds to drink, and amphibians and inverts to live.

[Jez]

I also think it a good idea having a pond but if you think it will be too labour intensive you could always plant shade loving wild flowers, which will pretty the spot up and benefit wildlife also.

shade loving wildflowers

Wood Forget Me Not
Solomons Seal
Wild Foxgloves
Nettled leaved Bellflower
Red Campions
Ramsons 'wild garlic' (edible leaves)
Betony
Wild Primroses
Native Bluebells
Self Heal
Greater Stitchwort
Hedge Woundwort
Yellow Archangel
Wood Cranesbill
Garlic Mustard beloved by Orange Tip Butterflies
Wood Sage
Aconite
Wood Anenomes
Dead Nettles

[Susie]

Aconite and foxglove might not be a good idea with nippers about, otherwise an excellent list, Jez.

[Jez]

Originally Posted by Susie

Aconite and foxglove might not be a good idea with nippers about, otherwise an excellent list, Jez.

Think they'll be okay as long as they don't eat them ?!?

[Susie]

Aconite can be very toxic. Even touching the plant and then putting their fingers in their mouths could be harmful. I dug it out of my garden when my nippers got to toddling age so they wouldn't be at risk.

[Jez]

okay defo the Aconite idea substitute with Lily Of The Valley

[Susie]

That'll do for me!

[bonbon]

wow! thanks for all the suggestions. the area is kind of a rectangular shape with a concrete path around it, i'm not sure how deep it goes. perhaps i should stick a picture on. will a pond be ok in the shade? the wild flowers are a lovely idea too. thankyou ever so much for your responses!