55 Mapledene Road

About 55 Mapledene Road

Small courtyard garden with fountains and container planting in cool colours leads on to a lawn edged by herbaceous borders filled with over 100 different herbs and scented plants attractive to pollinators.

The garden has featured in the RSPB and Beecraft magazines as an exemplar of planting that provides food and habitats for wildlife. A Biodiversity Action Plan focuses on supporting 5 British endangered species. On the top terrace there is a small apiary for honey bees. Features include: ponds and amphibian sanctuaries for frogs and toads; feeding stations for butterflies and moths; nest boxes and feeding table for birds; a wormery; bug hotels for solitary bees, lacewings and other insects; hoverfly lagoons and a log pile for mini beasts.

Sustainability is central to planning and maintenance including: water capture, composting, mulching, home-made comfrey fertiliser, re-use of pots and recycling.

Although the hives are screened off, visits may not be suitable for those who know that they are allergic to bee stings.

Courtyard garden with water features, scented borders for pollinators. Wildlife garden inc apiary and pond. Shade garden. Sustainable techniques to address climate change.