This border used to be dominated by a row of enormous sycamore trees. One suddenly died ten years ago and we took the opportunity to replant with shrubs for screening and plants, Logs from the felled tree are piled up to provide insect cover and including stag beetles.

We also added a long-awaited wildlife pond. This has been a great success and is hive of activity in the spring and summer with dragonflies and other insects.

Amphibians would be nice too and after a couple of years we were chuffed to bits to see frogspawn in spring 2026 (see below).

For 2026 we’re improving this border further with help from Cathy Smith (Suffolk Wildlife Trust Conservation Advisor) …

“For the flower bed at the back of the building, one suggestion would be to plant herbs. Some are short lived shrubs so would give a semi-permanent framework, examples include Rosemary, Lavender, Hyssop, Sage and thyme. Lavender can be grown as a single species low growing hedge, choose x intermedia varieties for maximum pollinator benefits.”