Planting a new border for pollinators and butterflys

For ages we have had a large area of border with no plants, it had become a play area for the children. I have been wanting to plant it up but was so worried about getting it wrong. We have saved some money and have slowly started to buy some plants.

I have been looking at lots of plants, every one I have brought is loved by pollinators or butterfly's or both which is very important to me, we want the garden to be alive with nature. I feel we can all do a small bit in our gardens to encourage wildlife and if we all do this we could all make such a difference. I just wish the labelling was a little better some are brilliant but this could be greatly improved to help us learning and wanting to help.

What have I been thinking about when looking for plants? I stated looking at shrubs but looked at the size they are going to grow to, I have brought shrubs but smaller versions. I also looked at flowering times so trying to get some interest throughout out the year.

We have a mix of perennials that will die down and hopefully come back up and shrubs that are either evergreen or deciduous (lose their leaves in winter).

Going forward we will get bulbs to plant in the winter ready for the spring and bedding plants for the summer as I am a tad obsessed with Cosmos.

I have only just stared and happy so far with what we have, there is a lot more to do but I am taking it slowly and not rushing.

Six smaller shrubs, I may have planted them too close but will keep an eye on them going forward.

A Hardy Fishia Hawkshead - Flowers June to October and in theory is hardy.

A Buzz Buddleja - Flowering June to October

A smaller Mock Orange - Philadelphus 'Manteau d'Hermine' flowers June and July and smells beautiful so planted I it near the front

Syringa Palbiniana - Korean Lilac - Flowering May and June

Caryopteris Blue Empire - Flowering August to October

Potentilla Tangerine - Flowering June to September

I have also brought some perennials

Salvia Hot Lips flowering June to first frosts

Verbena Lolipop - Flowering June to September I love this plant and can not wait for the purple flowers.

Anemone Sylvestris Flowering April and May we shall see

Aquligia Louisana is the darker red one

Aqulegia - no name on the label is the purple one

I fell for these at school and was so pleased to find them at the garden centre

Astrantia - Abbey Road flowering June to August

We have lots more to come I moved them about and am happy so far with how we are looking.