Peter Dowdall: How to turn our gardens into wildlife havens
![Peter Dowdall: How to turn our gardens into wildlife havens Peter Dowdall: How to turn our gardens into wildlife havens](/cms_media/module_img/7712/3856177_20_articlesmall_iStock-1426715064.jpeg)
Planting in pots and containers not enhances our gardens visually and provides essential resources for local wildlife, provided we use the right plants. File pictures
![White-flowering winter heather. White-flowering winter heather.](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7717/3858634_4_articleinline_iStock-1218201888.jpeg)
Some winter-flowering plants, such as winter heather, will provide both nectar and pollen for bees during this quiet time in the garden. Look for the beautifully, rich-toned Erica carnea ‘Myretoun Ruby’ (Winter Heath) or perhaps the ‘Springwood White’.
Cyclamen persicum, which is the species that we grow in pots and containers during winter, of which the red and white forms have become synonymous with Christmas, are beautiful to look at but, unfortunately, may as well be artificial when it comes to bees and other pollinators.
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Again, for bigger pots, dense evergreen shrubs, yew, juniper, or viburnum will provide excellent shelter for birds during cold winter days. These shrubs offer protection from harsh winds and predators and if they are large enough shrubs, they will create safe spaces for these same birds to build their nests.
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Using plants with different foliage colours and textures will add a vibrancy to your winter planters which flowers alone cannot provide. Consider combinations of evergreens with different shades of green, red, orange, or yellow berries, and pops of colour from winter-flowering plants.
![Skimmia berries (Skimmia japonica). Skimmia berries (Skimmia japonica).](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7702/3851029_37_articleinline_skimmia.jpeg)
Give some thought first to the colour choice as the colour of the pot is very much part of the overall effect.
Make sure that the pots are frostproof terracotta or glazed so that they will survive our low temperatures and, perhaps more importantly, ensure that they have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
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- Got a gardening question for Peter Dowdall? Email gardenquestions@examiner.ie