Anne’s Natural Surroundings

Sometimes you stumble upon a plant story even when you are not really looking for one. Over the years I have spent quite a lot of time in Norfolk but it wasn’t until earlier this year that, on a friend’s recommendation, I visited Natural Surroundings. Almost immediately I was entranced, it is a magical place. It is composed of 22 small gardens and having wandered through them I found myself speaking to the founder Anne Harrap.

Anne with her copy of Chris’ book

As I was chatting to Anne about the gardens and what had influenced her to create them, she told me about a book that had had a big influence on her work; ‘How To Make A Wildlife Garden’ which was written by the naturalist Chris Baines. I knew the book, I have a copy of it on my bookshelves. I wondered if she had ever told Chris Baines about her gardens and she said she hadn’t. I left feeling that perhaps I had just found another plant story!

So I returned to Natural Surroundings in July to hear Anne’s story. Why had she as a young woman been so passionate about wildlife gardening and what was the source of that passion. It was the most wonderful afternoon, the chance to wander though the bee garden and the butterfly garden, all of which were just alive with insects.

Regular listeners will know that each plant story leads to a conversation with some who knows about or shares the passion for the plant. But with this story there was only one person I wanted for find for Anne to talk to and that was Chris Baines. I found he had written a piece for the Butterfly Conservation Charity and through them I was able to make contact and he came back to me immediately and said he would love to take part. I am so glad because hearing Chris and Anne’s stories of wildlife gardening back in the 80s was wonderful and I think that we as gardeners owe them a great debt for their determination and persistence to change the narrative about wildlife gardening. Chris’ stories about his RHS Chelsea wildlife garden, built 40 years ago, are hilarious - the only exhibitor actively seeking out daisies for his lawn!

Nine Principles for a Wildlife Friendly Garden

With thanks to Natural Surroundings

1. Plants, Plants, Plants

   Many and varied plants = more wildlife

2. Don’t Just Plant Anything

   Native and ‘near native’ species are best

3. Add Water

   Ponds = a greater variety of creatures

4. Dead Matters

   Dead vegetation = food and shelter

5. Build a Home

   Bird, bee and bat boxes, hedgehog houses, log piles and habitat heaps

6. Feed the Birds and Other Creatures

7. Don’t Use Pesticides

   Pesticides are designed to kill wildlife

8. Don’t Put Wildlife in a Ghetto

   Make your entire garden wildlife friendly

9. Don’t Use Peat

   Peat extraction destroys wildlife habitats and releases planet-warming CO2

I do hope that you enjoy this episode and if you want to find out more then do seek out Chris’ book - How To Make A Wildlife Garden - it is a great place to start. And if you are anywhere near to Natural Surroundings in Holt in Norfolk then do go and visit.