http://www.yourhomemagazine.co.uk August 2019 117
l A neat and tidy garden isn’t the best environment to attract
wildlife. Insects, amphibians and birds prefer to make their homes
in areas that offer some natural protection from predators. But
that doesn’t mean we have to let our valuable outdoor spaces
become overgrown and out of control, there are other ways to
ensure our gardens can be shared harmoniously with wildlife.
l A great project that children may want to get involved with
during their summer holiday break is to make a bug hotel.
There are no rules on what shape or size the structure has to be,
which presents a great opportunity to create something quite unique and make an interesting
focal point in the garden.
l Suitable materials that will provide nooks and crannies for little creatures to overwinter in
include hollow bamboo canes or plant stems; old pieces of rotting wood; terracotta pots filled
with straw or moss ; bark; pine cones and logs with drilled holes to name a few.
It will need to sit on a sound and level foundation and be well-constructed so it doesn’t
collapse on a very wet or windy day. For inspiration on the various shapes and sizes of bug
hotels look at the RSPB and Woodland Trusts’ websites.There’s something wonderfully
satisfying about growing and preserving
food to be eaten over the winter
months and when fruit bushes produce
a glut it’s a waste not to put it to good
use – find great recipes on p.96.
If you haven’t grown any in your own
garden, seek out one of the many ‘Pick
Your Own’ farms dotted around the
country and gather a few punnets of
your favourite varieties. Alternatively,
look for bargains at your local fruit and
veg market, as locally sourced fruit in
season is considerably cheaper than
any imported out of season.
Carefully follow a good recipe for
making jams or jellies so as not to
end up with either a runny or solid
end product. Some fruits contain high
amounts of pectin (the setting agent)
while other such as strawberries may
require jam sugar which has added
pectin. Thoroughly clean and sterilise
old jam or Kilner jars so that the
contents don’t spoil while being
stored and if time is against you,
freeze the fruit to use at a time
that’s more convenient.soft fruit
for preserves
Extend an invitation
to wildlife
Latin Lesson
Among the eclectic mix of Latin names
for plants there are several with animal
associations. The connection is often obvious
and can be helpful when recalling the name
of the plant. Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’,
Zebra grass, is one such example having a
light and dark patterned appearance
just like its animal namesake (below).
There’s also Dianthus erinaceus, an alpine
commonly referred to as the Hedgehog
Dianthus (erinaceus meaning like a
hedgehog in
Latin) because
it forms a
tight, dense cushion of sharp, spiny grey
leaves that looks like a curled-up hedgehog (above).
Canina, caninus and caninum can be found attached to
plant names and relates to dogs or can just mean inferior as in
Rosa canina, the common dog rose which scrambles through
Image hedgerows in the wild.
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