A widespread native flower, the sweet-smelling violet grows naturally on banks, in copses and in hedgerows. In the garden it will adapt to any shady location, in grass under trees, under hedges or in the border. Its relative, the common dog violet (Viola riviniana) is unscented and flowers later, but is also a useful wildlife plant, supplying nectar for spring broods of butterfly.
| type | Perennial |
| flowers | Dark violet, sometimes white, late winter to mid-spring; occasionally in autumn |
| height | 10–15cm (4–6in) |
| spread | 30cm (12in) |
| planting | Plant out in early autumn or late spring, 30cm (12in) apart |
| site | Partial shade |
| soil | Any |
| care | No special care needed |
| propagation | Plants spread naturally by runners. These can be rooted in summer or the whole plant can be divided in autumn |
| varieties | A range of colours are available in the garden varieties; ‘Coeur d’Alsace’ is a rich pink and ‘Sulphurea’ is a yellow form |
| wildlife value | This is the earliest flowering of the native violets and provides nectar for flying insects and food for butterfly caterpillars, particularly the fritillary family |
SHRINKING VIOLETS The population of some species of violet is dwindling, so it is vital to buy seeds and young plants from nurseries and not to collect from the wild. The Teesdale violet (V. nepestris) is found only in Upper Teesdale and at a single site in Cumbria. Likewise, the fen violet (V. persicifolia) is confined to a few scattered locations in East Anglia
practical project MAKING AND SITING NEST BOXES
A RANGE OF BOXES FOR A RANGE OF BIRDS
Simple wall ledge for blackbirds, sparrows, spotted flycatchers, thrushes
Dimensions: 15×15cm (6×6in)
Open-fronted box for pied wagtails, robins, spotted flycatchers, wrens
Dimensions: 15cm (6in) wide × 15cm (6in) deep
Log box for sparrows, tits and wrens
Standard box for sparrows, tits and wrens
Dimensions: 15cm (6in) wide × 15cm (6in) deep; hole 30mm (1 1/2in) maximum diameter
Open-fronted owl/kestrel box for kestrels site as high as possible; for owls site inside a disused building
Dimensions: 45cm (18in) wide × 45cm (18in) deep × 40cm (16in) high
Birds need safe places to raise their young in the spring and summer, and gardens provide some of the best habitats. If possible there should be a choice of potential sites that different species can use — thick hedgerows for sparrows, walls covered by climbers for blackbirds and thrushes, hollow tree trunks for blue tits, sheds and outbuildings for robins and swallows. Nest boxes should be thought of as an adjunct to these natural sites, not a replacement for them. In towns, where trees are scarce, or in brand new gardens, nest boxes are vital and it is worth trying to include several types in different positions.
CHOOSING A BOX
The type of bird you want to attract will determine the type of nesting box — anything from a simple wooden ledge to a large owl box. The ones made from wood, in natural colours, are preferable as they will not advertise the birds’ location to potential predators. Some shops and garden centres sell combined nest box and feeding tables. This is a nice idea but it is also very unlikely that a bird would nest in such a prominent position.
SITING THE BOX
Try to put it in view of a window, so you can watch the occupants without disturbing them. It should be put at least 3m (10ft) from the ground, out of reach of cats and other predators. Walls are safer than trees to some degree as cats find them difficult to climb. Try the boxes at different heights to see which species use them. Some birds, like kestrels, naturally nest at roof-top level or even higher. Make sure all boxes face north, east or south-east, to avoid strong sun and driving rain.
CONSTRUCTING THE NEST BOX
