A beautiful seed sown this year to inspire further blossoming next year is how the Ventnor Town Council (VTC) view their debut Wild Gardens competition.
Run by Ventnor Town Council and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, the competition – suggested by regular News OnTheWight contributor Maggie Nelmes – saw an interesting range of wildlife gardens.
Town councillors Stephen Cockett and Julie Hutchison visited four gardens on a sunny Sunday morning last month to hear more about each of them and learn something new.
“It’s easy to be wild”
Fred, with his collected knowledge of wild plants, insects, and creatures, explained how his garden was home to a large variety of pollinators and how he tended the space to encourage moths and butterflies to flourish.
Fred says, “It’s easy to be wild.” He spends very little, and it is clear that he will never stop learning about the diversity that is flourishing on his back doorstep. The councillors left feeling inspired by Fred’s Garden, with so many nooks and crannies, it’s a haven for wildlife and diversity.
A hedgehog and bird paradise
Gaynor (pictured at top of article) has transformed her garden, from what was nothing, just rocks and patches of grass, into a hedgehog and bird paradise.
She told the councillors,
“I just wish people knew that all it takes is a handful of wildflower seeds, some water for the birds, and a compost heap for vegetable scraps, to help wildlife wherever you are.”
Small but full of interest
Pete and his wife have chosen to grow their garden in pots which they brought with them when they moved house.
Although the garden is small, it’s full of interest and includes a new pond providing water for visiting birds.
Japanese inspiration
Pat and Ian’s garden has been inspired by Japanese gardens and plants, with rocks and logs used to create borders and areas. The logs naturally rot down to create wonderful insect habitats.
Their garden is a haven for birds and pollinators and provides all the exercise that Pat needs.
“Don’t bother with the gym or the garden centre, share and swap plants and seeds,” is her advice.
Hutchison: Inspired by the conversations we’d had
Cllr Hutchison said,
“We finished the morning inspired by the conversations we’d had. We were shown how it doesn’t matter how much space you have, gardens can be imaginatively created and cared for, feeding insects, creatures, and ourselves.
“All of the gardeners enjoyed the sense of calm that gardening and being outdoors gave them.”
Find out more
You can read Cllr Julie Hutchison’s full report on the VTC Website.
VTC say they aim to run the competition again next year, with the judging happening towards the end of May so that the gardens by then are in full swing.
