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Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Haven
Designers: Jo Capstick & Nicky Saddington
Sponsors: Grosvenor Garden Centre, Barclays plc
Contractor: G Adams Construction
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Haven is an ornamental, contemporary wildlife garden in an urban setting, a place to relax, enjoy the beautiful planting and appreciate the wildlife.
Sandstone is used for the floor and stepping stones, and the retaining walls are clad with copper. Between the horizontal bands of timber on the boundary walls, strips of Sempervivum provide a home for bugs and insects. Under the benches, stacked logs create a place for wildlife to shelter. Bird houses and feeders are placed beneath the brightly coloured fabric shades.
The two still pools enhance the feeling of tranquillity. They overflow into the sunken bog garden planted with wildflowers, which provides a habitat for wildlife such as insects, frogs and toads.
Around the seating area, the colours of the plants range from deep burgundy to brown, purple, blue, orange and silver, creating a luxurious feel. The flowers attract bees and butterflies galore.
View Cheshire Wildlife Trust's Sue Tatman's blog
Sue is the Trust's Wildlife Gardening Officer