Wildlife corner.

FlowerNewbie

Hi all, I'm looking for help with an idea For my garden, we have just taken down an old shed and I'm wanting to create a little wildlife corner, my garden is a south facing garden and the corner will be south west so right now it's getting a good bit of sun. There are two large trees blocking some direct light to it sometimes. I quite like a fairy type idea.

I seen a conifer  shaped into a mushroom shape (sounds strange but actually really nice, I'll try get a picture next time I go by) with plants next to it. I would prefer a shrub with a bit more colour like a pieris the way it changes throughout seasons. or even a small tree, and plants underneath.  if anyone has ideas for this particular area of the garden It would be greatly appreciated. Also For now, a pond cant be included as I have two little ones. 

GaryR

Hi FlowerNewbie, its my first post but if you are looking for a centerpiece for a wildlife corner then Hawthorn can been grown as a small tree leaving plenty of room and light underneath for growing wildflowers. The leaves don't change colour but it does flower and in spring and produces berries in autumn so always changing and is great for wildlife, supporting 150 different insect species according to the RSPC website as well as birds who feed on the berries etc.

I'm sure after a couple of year of growth you could even shape it like a mushroom if you like

nutcutlet

Hawthorn is good, conifers generally haven't got much to offer wildlife.

The tree-shaped cotoneasters are good as well

Borderline

Hi FlowerNewbie, sounds like you like evergreen shrubs in the scene. If you like Pieris, something like Berberis or the butterfly bush works well as colour combinations. Bees will come buzzing. I know what you mean when you are explaining the mushroom shaped topiary. This is seen a lot in the grand houses on a larger scale. With something so solid, it's a nice combination to have wild and whispy plants underneath.

Small trees like the weeping Pyrus tree also makes a really nice naturalistic look. On a southerly aspect, the pale leaves gives the area a nice summery feel and goes will with wild and woolly plants.

FlowerNewbie

I like the weeping pyrus, I've seen that before it's such a nice shape. I also like the butterfly bush idea and cotoneasters, theyre quite nice. I bought a spirea for a different part of the garden, could this be shaped? I cant see any images of it being done though, so Not too sure how it'd work haha. 

I was driving by today and managed to get a picture: 

 I think it's the shape, then the hanging basket idea I like. its quite sweet looking. Not sure it's clear on the picture Disguised slightly by the ferns. But not overly fond of that specific tree.