A well designed garden can be just as attractive to wildlife as one that is left to go wild, says a Shropshire specialist plants centre manager. 

Love Plants, based at caravan and motorhome dealership Salop Leisure’s Emstrey headquarters in Shrewsbury, recently held a popular ‘Wildlife Week’ when gardeners were able to seek advice about attracting wildlife into their gardens.

Tim Robinson, Love Plants’ manager and his team of staff were joined by Malcolm and Jude Mollart, from the award-winning Bowbrook Allotment Community Association in Shrewsbury, to give expert advice.

Love Plants last year sponsored a prairie garden at Bowbrook Allotments to show what can be achieved using ornamental plants, whilst still attracting wildlife.

“The big mistake a lot of people make is believing that they have to leave a garden go wild to attract wildlife, when in fact a nicely designed garden with the right plants can be just as attractive,” said Mr Robinson. 

In addition to 93 organic allotments, Bowbrook Allotment Community has 30 communal areas, three major hubs, two orchards, a wildflower meadow, a garden of contemplation, four gardens of the seasons and nature trails for children. 

The allotment community has won a string of awards from the Royal Horticulture Society and the Heart of England in Bloom competition over the years.

The allotment site, which extends to just under six acres, was opened in 2009 and has been designed so that beautiful gardens, orchards and meadows link through a nature trail. 

Much emphasis is placed on working in harmony with the local wildlife and the entire site is dotted with bug homes, bird and bat boxes and flowers to encourage bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. 

The allotments have become a wildlife haven, attracting 65 bird species and a colony of rare yellow necked mice.

Mr Robinson said Love Plants was delighted to be associated with the inspiring work of the allotment community. “I think the allotment holders do a fantastic job by getting people of all ages interested in gardening, whilst showing that they can work in harmony with wildlife,” he added.