Sharing the joy of a wildlife-friendly garden

There was a time when having a wildlife-friendly garden was considered, well, a bit odd! I'm pleased to say that we're now at the point where it is becoming seen as standard; expected, even.

Part of that step forward is thanks to people showcasing their wildlife-friendly gardens to the public, so I was delighted this week to get an email from one of my RSPB colleagues, Susan Sutton, to say that her garden in Sandy, Bedfordshire, is going to be featured in an imminent issue of Garden News magazine.

I've long known that Susan in her spare time is a really dedicated gardener, and this year she sent me some photos of her latest addition - a new pond - so I thought it was time to share them with you.

Susan and her husband, Dave, started with marking out the shape with rope.

Then it was just a case of digging the hole...

...and adding the liner

...before adding plants and decorative block edging

I know that makes it sound simple, whereas we know it must have been hard graft, but anyone who has done it will know it is so rewarding. Just look at the results! Already they have had baby newts and their first Frog in years.

Susan is one of those gardeners who works hard to have a good looking garden, complete with rich planting, sculpture and even railway memorabilia. And then that additional aspect of wildlife gets woven throughout.

For example, they have a row pleached Hornbeam trees, those that have a slender stem and are them pruned into box shapes at the top. Susan explained that she and Dave planted them around 10 years ago and now it is the perfect floating hedge where Blackbirds, Chaffinches, Collared Doves and Starlings all nest despite the path underneath.

Susan and Dave open their garden as part of the National Gardens Scheme, and next year it will be open on Sunday 30 July, so if you're in the Bedfordshire area next summer, pop it in your diary and go along and be inspired at how good a wildlife-friendly garden can look. Alternatively, check out Garden News in the next week or so for more inspiration from Susan and Dave.

Oh, and have a very happy Christmas. May Santa bring you all the gardening goodies you desire.