Wild about Weeds : The Top 5 Weeds to Make a Home For in Your Garden

Far from being a sign of neglect, many weeds and wild plants bring natural beauty to a garden, introduce seasonal colours and, most importantly, provide essential food and habitats for a wide range of wildlife. Wildflowers took centre stage again at the RHS Chelsea Flower show this year and the trend towards more natural gardening shows no signs of abating.

Even in a smaller garden, it’s easy to make space for these valuable plants. With a bit of understanding and a willingness to let things grow a little wilder, open-minded gardeners can create vibrant ecosystems that support bees, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.

In celebration of No Mow May and in support of the growing popularity of rewilding, we have rounded up our top five weeds that are well worth considering making a home for in your garden this year.

Dandelions

An ancient source of food and coffee, dandelions have always been and remain to this day an important and valuable plant. As bees emerge from their colonies during spring, dandelions are often one of their earliest sources of food to welcome them.

From their edible leaves that can be picked young and used in salads, to their roots that can be roasted to make a substitute coffee, dandelions have a number of surprising uses including the base for a surprisingly delicious dandelion wine.

Dandelions often get a bad rap in weedkiller adverts but allowing a few dandelions to grow in your garden is a simple but effective way to support emerging queen bees and your local wildlife. We think the cheerful flowers need appreciating rather than demonising.

Daisies

Daisies are a simple yet effective way of brightening up and adding variety to your lawn. These cheerful little flowers are perfect for daisy chains and never fail to evoke a smile.

In folklore, daisies are seen as a symbol of innocence and purity and, in Greek mythology, have been associated with Artemis, the Goddess of hunting, wildlife, and nature. Daisies are also known for their medicinal properties; made from daisy juice, bruisewort and woundwort were used to heal wounds in a number of wars in Ancient Rome.

Did you know their growth habit adapts to mowing? if you cut your lawn on a long cut they will adapt to flower on shorter stems, giving you a pretty display and plenty of fodder for pollinators all summer long.

Cow Parsley

Cow parsley creates beautiful, frothy clouds of white flowers in spring and early summer. A true cottage garden classic, this pretty wildflower adds elegance to any garden.

I simply love this umbellifer and move around it ever year until late July, at which point a cut it down to the ground with secateurs and spread its seed to encourage it to grow back in subsequent years.

This pretty perennial plant is loved by insects, which in turn feed bees and bats and adds a romantic, countryside feel to borders and wild patches. It’s easy to grow and looks lovely with very little maintenance.

Herb Robert

Often overlooked, herb robert is a dainty wild geranium with pretty pink flowers and intricate leaves, bringing unexpected pops of colour to the garden. It grows very readily in a variety of soil types and in both sunlight and shade.

Historically, herb robert was used as a medicinal herb, hence the name. From use as an antiseptic and a muscle relaxer to use for treating upset stomachs and nosebleeds, this plant has had a huge number of medicinal uses over time.

Elderflower

Elderflower creates an excellent ecosystem for a variety of wildlife. It blooms in late spring into creamy clouds of white flowers with a poignantly sweet and inviting botanical scent. These fragrant blossoms are perfect for making a delicious homemade elderflower syrup or wine or try them fried in a light batter for a delicious snack. Later in the year, the berries can be used for jams or traditional cold remedies.

Bees, butterflies, many and other pollinators absolutely love elderflower. It grows quickly and, with a little pruning, can become a graceful tree or large shrub. It’s a great addition to a wilder garden. The flowers and berries also support a number of bird varieties in late summer and autumn, making it a valuable part of any garden ecosystem.