planting around my pond

[netty]

Hi, I have made a wildlife pond on my lottie and have put some marginals etc in .Now I would like to develop an area around the pond that will attract wildlife as well as giving frogs etc. some cover. Be grateful for any suggestions. Bearing in mind my soil is heavy clay would grasses be suitable ?

[gp.girl]

Grasses need good drainage so no. They also don't really attract wildlife either.

There's loads of flowers to attract wildlife though....iris, aqualigia, geraniums.....

This is for bumble bees but butterflies and moths love a lot these plants.

http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/gardening_for_bumblebees.htm

A raised bed for herbs is a big plus too many of the flowers are attractive to wildlife although most hate cold/wet clay soils.

Bugs seem to hide anywhere and just undug ground gives shelter.

Try a woodpile as well. Although I found a toad under the wheelie bin 6 foot from my carefully constructed woodpile in the front garden. Ungrateful beast but at least it wasn't in the garage like the last few years

[Georgie]

Hi Netty

I garden for wildlife too and I'm on London clay.  Can you give me an idea of the aspect and how much space you have to fill?  I might even have some seeds I could send you if that would help.  But as a rule of thumb I'd say go for native plants and check out this site http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/

Good luck

G x

[netty]

thanks for your replys..hi georgia well I have plenty of free space to expand my area but would say approx about 4m by 4m thanks for the link will check it out.Thinking of planting hedging as well but not sure again what will tolerate clay soil .