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At a glance

Who would use this garden?
The garden is for a wide range of wildlife, with plants and planting principles that encourage the insects and other invertebrates that swifts feed on. It promotes sympathetic gardening for biodiversity and is meant to stimulate ideas about ways people can garden to benefit insects and birdlife.
Where is the garden set?
UK-based exhibit of varying garden planting styles and habitats.

The Garden

This garden aims to increase awareness of swifts and advocates for wildlife-friendly practices that support all garden birds. The relationship between gardening and wildlife is undeniable, and by working together, this exhibit shows how in small ways we can create a positive and cumulative impact and offer refuge to species facing challenges. 

The garden highlights the incredible lives of swifts and their yearly migratory journey to the UK. It seeks to inspire action and foster a deeper connection with nature, helping secure a future for these birds. Recognising that swifts feed mainly on flying insects like hoverflies and mosquitoes, the exhibit emphasises the benefits of biodiversity-friendly gardening with diverse planting styles, showing that various garden types are advantageous for wildlife. The garden includes swift sculptures to capture the beauty and movement of swifts in flight, models of how swift nest boxes can be installed, and other habitat features to encourage more wildlife into our gardens.

Planting

The planting includes different areas to showcase that variety in our gardens is beneficial for insects and birds. Rather than simplicity and homogeneity in our gardens, it’s better to have complexity and a mosaic of habitats. People can garden in a way that excites them as long as they are sympathetically gardening for biodiversity.

Key plants include: Acer campestre (field maple), Tilia × europaea (common lime), Dipsacus fullonum (teasel), Nepeta kubanica (catmint) and Succisa pratensis (devil’s bit scabious).

Plants supplied by: 

Creepers Nursery, Majestic Trees, Bright Green Fox and Great Dixter Nurseries.

Garden legacy

The plants from the garden will be donated to in Kingston. Stud Nursery, is a community garden, social enterprise and training resource offering a welcoming and supportive environment for people to learn and develop skills, confidence and friendships.