The Chelsea hotel for insects

Now is the time to tuck our beautiful wildlife up for the winter. I built this insect condominium for a children’s garden about 2 years ago and it is really starting to come into it’s own.  I found a sheltered quiet spot and just used old pallets and stuffed them with bamboo canes, leaf mulch, moss,perforated bricks, old carpet and doormats, tree trunks and pinecones .

I heard a great tip from Bob Flowerdew on Gardeners’ Question time this week.  It was to use your sweetcorn stems in 2 meter pieces and tie a bundle together.  Then place them in your hedgerow.  Bob has not found a more effective way to attract ladybirds.