WILDLIFE
Leave something for winter: seed heads, berries and shelter
How to keep a garden looking cared for while still leaving useful food and habitat.
Seed heads can earn their place
Teasel, echinacea and other sturdy seed heads can provide food and winter structure. Keep the best-looking stems and remove those that collapse or become diseased.
Dense growth provides shelter
Not every shrub needs thinning before winter. Dense evergreen and twiggy cover can be valuable to small birds and insects.
Leave some leaf litter in the right place
Paths and lawns may need clearing, but leaves tucked beneath hedges or in a quiet border can provide habitat while slowly breaking down.
KS tip: Wildlife-friendly does not have to mean untidy everywhere — choose specific areas where natural material can stay.
Sources & further reading: More ideas: RHS wildlife gardening.
Need a hand with the garden?
Use the KS Garden Services price guide for an estimated cost, or get in touch about regular maintenance and one-off work.
Get an estimated price →