Gardeners do too much during the summer and should relax with a cold beer, according to TV star Frances Tophill.
The Gardeners’ World presenter is urging Brits to grab a lawnmower from the shed, rather than a fork and trowel, and simply marvel as their garden blossoms into an oasis of “biodiversity”.
She says: “A lot can be achieved without doing anything at all. Overly manicured and tended gardens often lack much of what makes a green space biodiverse, which is a variety of plants.
‘If you allow a designated area of your garden to grow naturally, you will naturally attract many different species of wildlife, from insects to birds, without you having to lift a green finger, literally!’
Ms Tophill, who co-presented ITV’s Love Your Garden alongside Alan Titchmarsh, advises gardeners to relax with their favourite newspaper or take a day trip to public gardens.
Gardeners’ World presenter Frances Tophill (pictured) urges green-fingered Brits to relax with a cold beer
Tophill presents Gardeners’ World alongside Alan Titchmarsh (pictured)
“What could be better than sitting on a deckchair and reading the paper, or even popping into the local pub garden for a pint?” he says.
‘And visiting gardens at this time of year is a lovely pastime and can inspire you by allowing you to see which flowers are at their best and covered in pollinators in the summer.’
Ms Tophill, whose bestselling books include The Modern Gardener, believes we should all “try ditching the lawnmower at certain times of the year to benefit ground-nesting bees and garden biodiversity, taking care when mowing that there are no critters sheltering.”
‘Also resist the temptation to cut back spent flowers too much in midsummer. Allow some of the wilted shoots to form seeds and fruit for animals to eat.
‘The fact that people want to enjoy the benefits of incorporating more nature and wildlife into their lives, according to the results of our research, is a very healthy starting point for the nation to become more biodiverse.
‘Campanula, rudbeckia, veronicastrum, salvias, sweet peas and many more can attract all types of pollinators.
‘The key is open flowers with accessible nectar and pollen, so make sure the flowers have stigma and stamens and that these parts have not been removed in favor of more petals that are of no use to bees and other insects.’
Ms Tophill advocates letting the garden “grow freely”. She also believes gardeners should encourage their children and grandchildren to get involved (File image)
Ms Tophill also suggests that people should encourage their children and grandchildren to lend a hand in the garden: “Start young and keep them excited” is the best motto when it comes to biodiverse gardening with young children.
‘Luckily, it’s very easy to do because children have a wonderful sense of curiosity and I often hear from parents that children are happier outdoors.
‘Let them get dirty, let them explore and discover.’