| Gallery: Garden shrubs |  |
Trees and srubs of special interest to the wildlife gardener.
Pictures
 |
An ideal native tree for the garden, rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), also called mountain ash, is a relatively small and open tree. It produces white blossom in early summer and these beautiful red berries in autumn. The berries must be amongst the tastiest in nature's larder because they never last very long!
| | Click to enlarge | |
 |
Whitebeams in Britain comprise a complex group of closely related species and micro-species. The common whitebeam (Sorbus aria) is reasonably commonly planted as a garden tree.
| | Click to enlarge | |
 |
Senecio sunshine is a non-native shrub which bears these beautiful daisy-like yellow flowers, very attractive to a number of insects.
| | Click to enlarge | |
 |
The native elder (Sambuccus nigra) is famously used for winemaking (both the flowers and fruits are used). The fruits are equally sought after by garden birds in the winter.
| | Click to enlarge | |
 |
If you can make room for blackberry (Rubus fruiticosus) in your garden, you will be rewarded not only by the fruit, but by the many species of animals which will also make use of it. The only problem with this fast growing shrub is controlling it.
| | Click to enlarge | |
 |
A non-native shrub, flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum) is nonetheless useful to the wildlife gardener as a source of early nectar for insects like queen bees emerging from hibernation.
| | Click to enlarge | |
 |
Firethorns (Pyracantha sp.) are very valuable non-native shrubs, not only because of their ample fruit which is a bonus for many wintering animals and birds, but because they provide good thorny cover for many nesting birds.
| | Click to enlarge | |
 |
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) is one of our most beautiful shrubs when it flowers in spring. | | Click to enlarge | |
 |
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) in blossom. The thorny branches provide good nesting cover for many birds. | | Click to enlarge | |
 |
Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) in blossom. The small plum-like fruits are known as sloes; bitter to our taste, but useful food for over-wintering animals. | | Click to enlarge | |
 |
Hebe midsummer beauty is definitely one non-native shrub that any wildlife gardener should consider giving space to. The large spikes of lilac flowers (fading to white) are irresistible to many insects and the plant never seems to stop flowering (as I write this in January 2005, mine is still in flower). Despite being evergreen, the plant responds well to pruning which is just as well because it is a very vigorous grower.
| | Click to enlarge | |
 |
Forsythia (Forsythia x intermeia) flowers very profusely as early as March, making it a very good nectar source for early insects.
| | Click to enlarge | |
 |
The fruits of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) are an abundant and hugely important food resource for birds and other animals in winter. | | Click to enlarge | |
 |
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is also known as the may flower; and here's why. The picture can't convey the glorious and profuse scent which emanates from these blossoms - a characteristic feature of the May countryside. | | Click to enlarge | |
 |
The blossom on this hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is just about to burst. | | Click to enlarge | |
 |
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is not only important for its fruit and lovely because of its flowers, it provides animals with food and shelter all year round. Many species of animals, from bugs to birds, are associated with this shrub. It is one of the most important plants for the wildlife garden. | | Click to enlarge | |
 |
All species of cotoneaster have their use in the wildlife garden because of their abundant fruits which are loved by birds. The tree cotoneaster (Cotoneaster frigidus) is one of the taller species.
| | Click to enlarge | |
 |
The buddleja or butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii) is probably the most emblematic plant of the wildlife garden and it deserves its reputation. Easy to grow and take care of (with the great advantage that it will withstand and even thrive on drastic pruning), it is a sure-fire way of attracting some of the most beautiful insects, including many butterflies, to your garden.
| | Click to enlarge | |
 |
Alder (Alnus glutinosa) is one of the most important native trees for wildlife. If your garden is not too small, you might consider it a species worth planting, especially if your soil is wet.
| | Click to enlarge | |
Back to home page
Do you live in Merseyside? Interested in its wildlife? | |
