Wildflower garden

One of our projects for next year it to clear the last of the brambles and sow a wildflower meadow. At the back of this we are going to plant things that butterflies and bees will like. We've thought of Buddlejas, Sedum Spectabile and Hebe Autumn Glory which we know from expereince attract insects. Can any one suggest other plants that would be good. They can be either perenniels or shrubs but they must like a quite shady spot which is surrounded by trees.

 

Hi Celia, What a lovely idea!
Though, Sedum spectabile & Buddleja prefer sun, if you are looking to attract insects to shade, you can't really go wrong with native hedgerow plants such as shrubs: Hazel, Elder, dog rose, flowering climbers such as native honeysuckle, old mans beard, and flowering plants such as Cow parsley, yellow archangel, herb robert, common dog violet, hedge bedstraw, sweet cicely and germander speedwell. These will be ideal for encouraging indigenous wildlife. Hope this helps!
Good luck Celia

 

Great Celia and good luck with it If it's shady and damp (in addition to Bayleaf's suggestions)go for foxgloves, primroses, cowslips and violets. Ferns look great too in such a setting. If it's dry shade then that is much more difficult.

Lots of advice on this website and you can order direct too:
http://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/shop/foundcategory.lasso?category_id=6&-session=shopper:3EFD800E140ba1414CLlU1A319D1

http://www.wigglywigglers.co.uk/index.lasso?-session=shopper:3EFD800E1631a36A0ETjW1962356

 

This site gives some information on what plants grow in what sorts of shade
http://www.tmac.clara.net/urgring/faqshade.htm
Great idea!
Don't forget ivy which when established produces berries for the birds, and holly.

[ 09. September 2006, 10:06 PM: Message edited by: Liz ]