Your Garden
Goal
In essence, my concept of Arcadia is the goal of humanity being in perfect harmony with the landscape and with Nature. It is conservation but it is more than that. This means not only ensuring that when we undertake new buildings that they blend in and offer a harmonious element in the landscape and does not detract from the ecology and variety therein, but also that as a species we take responsibility for maintaining the health of the planet and ensuring the variety of flora and fauna and animals.
It is a concept I have likened to that of man evolving to take the responsibility of a god. Not that of power and dominance but that as a steward, a guardian a husbandman. Without attaining this stage, unfortunately, the human species is doomed for our planet will die. We must all learn to become good guardians and husbandmen.
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The Trust Garden
The planting in the garden has been planned for
wildlife and conservation. Over 23 species of butterfly and day-flying moths have recorded
and several species of bee. There are also dragonflies, damselflies, water
beetles, pond skaters, waterboatmen, etc. Nesting boxes for bats, bees, birds
have been put up plus bug hotels. There are small untouched wild areas, plus
hiding places for amphibians and slow worms.
The garden is organic. No chemicals or pesticides etc are used. And wildlife takes precedence. As much variety of planting as possible is undertaken.
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Every Little Helps
We can sometimes feel overwhelmed by the immensity of what needs to be, the power of the big polluters, the slowness of government to act and so on. But aside from adding our voice to the big issue and movements of the day, there is much which can be done in our own back-yard. Indeed we should start just there. Conservation is not about big things out there in the world- it begins with reducing the carbon footprint in our homes:
Growing our own food where possible. Buy locally grown produce. And many other little things.
And our own back yard/garden there is a wealth of opportunities for our own evolution as guardians. Domestic gardens play an essential role in helping to sustain the range of animal and flora and fauna species that can survive and flourish. They are also corridors connecting different landscapes along which creatures can migrate.
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Animal Homes
Every creature needs a home: for protection, for breeding, for feeding. Yet since time began over 99% of all creatures that have ever existed have become extinct. Not all through our doing- but enough to make us question our right to this wonderful planet. Many native species of animals are now under threat of extinction: light, sound and air pollution, loss of habitat, pesticides, human greed, overbuilding, and other factors amount to total war on wildlife! What does this big ecological and historical picture have to do with your garden? Quite a lot. Our little gardens can be a lifesaver for species: they provide little habitats that create corridors and sanctuaries across the landscape which can mean the difference between survival and extinction.
So much is under threat in our landscape and wondrous English countryside today. We have lost many native species in the last 60 or so years. Others are on the danger list. So where does your garden fit into this? Very simply your garden can be a microcosm of and magnet for wildlife. It does not have to be grand. But there is lots you can do. Here are some ideas.
Bug Hotels: That old log? Put it in the garden in an unwanted or hidden spot. It will soon become a home for various insects and also fungi. And while you are about it, if you pile a few stones or rocks in a little heap (you could even make this a garden feature) once again some amphibians, insects and so on will overwinter there and make a home.
Water: Water truly brings a garden to life and attracts immense amounts of wildlife. The insects that hover above ponds will bring birds (such as swallow). Insects (such as the pon-skater, water bug, and ferry boatman) will soon colonize it. Ponds don't have to be huge and are easily created by digging out a recess and putting ion a liner. But ensure there are some sloping edges so that hedgehogs etc which fall in can climb out. And frogs whilst being amphibians need to get out of the water. and adding a wetland will also add to your wildlife: frogs prefer to lay their spawn in shallow water. Just scoop out a shallow area of ground and line it with plastic.
Mammals & Amphibians: If you have a shed do make sure there is some space for small creatures to get underneath: frogs, newts, toads, mice, voles, shrews, slow worms etc will make a den there given time.
Boxes: And if you have a little money or are handy with d.i.y. what about nesting boxes for bats, owls, and birds? A bug hotel, a butterfly rest, bee box, hedgehog shelter.
Wild Place: And if you can manage it try to have a little spot where Nature can just do its own thing uninterrupted by human hands (apart from making sure things like nettles don't take over).
Fences: Arrange with your neighbour that there are gaps at the bottom of fences so that hedgehogs can move from garden to garden at feeding times.
Remember: your garden can play an essential part to help stem the wave of destruction and extinctions threatening our countryside. And you'll be creating your own piece of Eden which will enrich your life, give your fun and pleasure and reduce stress.
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STEPHEN COX GARDEN TRUST
is a Registered Charity (number: 1174239) in England & Wales
PURPOSE: To advance education in horticulture, conservation, wildlife, and heritage by providing study courses, training placements, talks, and workshops and other means for the enrichment of society and improvement of human well being in general based upon the Founder's garden, library, writings, teaching, and philosophy. Including skill enhancement for the young unemployed or those facing learning difficulties or other barriers to employment or self-advancement.
stephencox.gardentrust@gmail.com
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