DIY: fat balls for the birds
You can buy ready-made seed balls for feeding the birds, but it’s much more fun to make them yourself. Find out how to make fun and tasty sunflower snacks for passing robins, tits and sparrows.
Happy bees
Bees desperately need our help, and we need theirs as well. Bee numbers are declining because we have fewer wildflowers and plants outdoors and there are harmful pesticides and diseases in the ecosystem. If the bees die out and can't pollinate our fruit and vegetable plants, we'll have a big problem on our hands. So do your bit and plant one of these bee-friendly plants in your garden.
Zoological garden
Hedgehogs, toads, salamanders, butterflies and mice — before you know it, you’ve transformed your garden into a wildlife centre. Granted, they're not everyone's cup of tea, but not all small creatures have to be unwelcome visitors. Did you know that hedgehogs get rid of slugs, for example? Lend a helping hand where you can, but also allow nature do its thing. Read about how to attract animals to your garden, and gently encourage harmful ones and uninvited guests on their way.
Handy slug and snail tips
Slugs and snails are the sort of wildlife we could do without: they’re way too keen on nibbling our plants' young, fresh leaves. You can’t blame them for coming to visit, though, so take a look at our six slug and snail-friendly tips for persuading them to move on.
MORE AUTUMN INSPIRATION
Make it extra cosy this autumn by putting greenery in every room, bring your favourite autumn scents into your home with a homemade herb rack and guarantee a relaxed season with by creating this green refuge. You can also take a look at our Instagram and Facebook pages and tag us with the hashtag #thejoyofplants.
