Attract wildlife
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Chives
Allium schoenoprasum Easy to grow, with edible leaves that have a mild oniony flavour. Purple pom-pom flowers in late spring attract bees and are also edible. Purpose: chives can be used in cooking activities. The flowers attract pollinators and can be included in homegrown bouquets. Sensory appeal Sight Purple pom-pom flowers in late spring Taste…
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Sunflower
Helianthus annuus Tall plant with large flowerheads that attract bees and butterflies, bringing movement and colour to the garden. The seedheads have a lovely tactile quality and the seeds are edible. Purpose: sunflower seeds are big enough to be easily planted, making a good gardening activity. Seedheads can be saved to use as bird feeders.…
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Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia Lavender is known for its relaxing qualities. The plant has evergreen foliage that releases its scent when rubbed between fingers, and masses of purple, pink or white flowers in summer. Purpose: the plant provides evergreen structure. Summer flowers attract bees and butterflies. The flowers can be cut and dried to use in craft…
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Lamb’s ear
Stachys byzantina An easy to grow plant. The soft leaves have a wooly texture that invites touching. Purpose: plant in a sunny spot to provide ground cover and a fun plant to touch. Sensory appeal Sight Green foliage with white hairs. Spikes of purple flowers in summer that attract bees Touch Wooly leaves Quick facts…
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Jerusalem sage
Phlomis fruticosa A tall-growing plant with whorls of pale yellow flowers in summer and large leaves. Easy to grow, drought tolerant. Purpose: the leaves have a soft underside and are pleasant to touch. The flowers attract bees, brining movement into the garden. Sensory appeal Sight Whorls of soft yellow flowers attract bees Touch Grey-green leaves…
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Apple
Malus domestica Apple trees have pink blossom in spring and provide fruit in the autumn. The size of the tree can be controlled through choosing a suitable rootstock and pruning, making them suitable for all sizes of garden. Purpose: shade in summer. The fruit can be harvested and eaten or used for baking projects. Sensory…
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Peppermint / Applemint
Mentha x piperita / Mentha suaveolens Easy to grow. Mint leaves have a pleasant scent and taste. Varieties of peppermint like ‘After Eight’ have a chocolatey fragrance. Applemint has soft leaves. Purpose: mint can be used in salads or to make a tea. Peppermint can be chopped and sprinkled over vanilla ice cream. The scent…
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Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus An attractive evergreen shrub with fine leaves that release a distinctive fragrance when rubbed between the fingers. Purpose: rosemary leaves can be used in cooking activities. The scent can help relieve stress, and promote focus and alertness. Rosemary can be planted as a low hedge to provide a boundary or screening. Sensory appeal…
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Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare An easy to grow herb which forms a large plant with feathery foliage and tall stems of small yellow flowers. Grow either green fennel or the bronze leaved variety F. vulgare ‘Purpureum’. Purpose: fennel leaves have a gentle aniseed scent. The leaves, flowers and seeds are all edible. The plant forms a see-through…
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Purple coneflower
Echinacea purpurea Purple petals with a prominent orange/pink centre that feels bristly. The dark green leaves have a rough, hairy texture. Purpose: coneflowers are a favourite with bees, bringing movement and buzzing to the garden. They are widely used in products taken to support the immune system. Sensory appeal Sight Large daisy-like flowers Touch The…