Beautiful Virgin Islands

Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025

Garden expert reveals how to create a biodiverse space on a city-center balcony

Garden expert reveals how to create a biodiverse space on a city-center balcony

It is possible to create a biodiverse garden on your balcony or terrace – this expert shows us how it’s done

The appeal behind a biodiverse garden is unending – these spaces not only benefit the local habitat but our wellbeing, too. However, just because you live in a small urban area doesn’t mean you need to miss out on all the fun.

Cue Frances Tophill, the celebrity garden expert and TV presenter, bringing biodiversity to modern gardens of all sizes – from a lush country patch to a small window balcony overlooking the cityscape. In an exclusive interview with Livingetc, Frances revealed how to create a biodiverse space in a small urban apartment – and we’re rushing to follow her ingenious advice.

How do we create a biodiverse space in a small urban apartment?




‘In urban areas, there are so many little gardens - whether it’s a balcony or a windowsill or a tiny little courtyard. So, there is a real opportunity for people to make a massive difference to wildlife survival,’ Frances begins.

‘You have to think of your little garden being a part of a larger habitat. Your garden could be a tiny patch, but if your neighbors are doing it, then you end up with a whole host of little gardens where the wildlife can find a haven,’ she adds.

So what steps can we take as individuals to makes sure we're contributing to this larger habitat from our city center balconies?

Use your vertical space




‘Use the vertical space. Grow climbers, especially things that are good for pollinators and good for nectar, such as honeysuckle or passion flowers. Maybe even some spikes or very thin hedge plants that you can tie in that give the birds a nest where they are safe from cats and dogs,’ Frances shares.

Introduce water wherever possible


Perhaps the quickest way to promote biodiversity is bringing in water that will particularly make a difference for the birds who will have a space to wash and drink. ‘Everything needs water to survive. The crucial thing about bringing water in is that loads of insects have part of their life cycle under the water.'

'You will really increase the amount of wildlife and different species that you can cater for in your garden,' she adds.



Choose your plants wisely


‘With everything that you’re planting, make sure you’re thinking about how it will benefit the wildlife,’ Frances explains. ‘Never choose bedded plants that have double flowers because they are infertile. Always make sure that you’re picking plants that have accessible nectar because, in a small space, every single plant counts.'

‘Choose things like climbing roses, which is a really nice thing to do in a wildlife-friendly small garden, because they grow vertically and have a few spikes which can provide nesting for birds. Make sure you choose roses that grow rose hips in the winter. On a small scale, every single plant that you choose counts,’ Frances adds.



Now we have no excuse not to embrace the wild side – wherever we are.


Feeling inspired? Frances has teamed up with Weleda - the original green beauty brand - to encourage people to reconnect with nature and support biodiversity through its #GetGreenFingers campaign. For more information, visit their website.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
Manhunt in Australia: Armed Anti-Government Suspect Kills Police Officers Sent to Arrest Him
China Launches World’s Most Powerful Neutrino Detector
How Beijing-Linked Networks Shape Elections in New York City
Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska Fled War To US, Stabbed To Death
Elon Musk Sues Apple and OpenAI Over Alleged App Store Monopoly
2 Australian Police Shot Dead In Encounter In Rural Victoria State
Vietnam Evacuates Hundreds of Thousands as Typhoon Kajiki Strikes; China’s Sanya Shuts Down
UK Government Delays Decision on China’s Proposed London Embassy Amid Concerns Over Redacted Plans
A 150-Year Tradition to Be Abolished? Uproar Over the Popular Central Park Attraction
A new faith called Robotheism claims artificial intelligence isn’t just smart but actually God itself
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner Purchases Third Property Amid Housing Tax Reforms Debate
HSBC Switzerland Ends Relationships with Over 1,000 Clients from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Qatar, and Egypt
Sharia Law Made Legally Binding in Austria Despite Warnings Over 'Incompatible' Values
Italian Facebook Group Sharing Intimate Images Without Consent Shut Down Amid Police Investigation
Dutch Foreign Minister Resigns Amid Deadlock Over Israel Sanctions
Trump and Allies Send Messages of Support to Ukraine on Independence Day Amid Ongoing Conflict
China Reels as Telegram Chat Group Shares Hidden-Camera Footage of Women and Children
Sam Nicoresti becomes first transgender comedian to win Edinburgh Comedy Award
Builders uncover historic human remains in Lancashire house renovation
Australia Wants to Tax Your Empty Bedrooms
MotoGP Cameraman Narrowly Avoids Pedro Acosta Crash at Hungarian Grand Prix
FBI Investigates John Bolton Over Classified Documents in High-Profile Raids
Report reveals OpenAI pitched national ChatGPT Plus subscription to UK ministers
Labour set to freeze income tax thresholds in long-term 'stealth' tax raid
Coca‑Cola explores sale of Costa coffee chain
Trial hears dog walker was chased and fatally stabbed by trio
Restaurateur resigns from government hospitality council over tax criticism
Spanish City funfair shut after serious ride injury
Suspected arson at Ilford restaurant leaves three in critical condition
Tottenham beat Manchester City to go top of Premier League
Bank holiday heatwave to hit 30°C before remnants of Hurricane Erin arrive
UK to deploy immigration advisers to West Africa to block fake visas
Nurse who raped woman continued working for a year despite police alert
Drought forces closures of England’s canal routes, canceling boat holidays
Sweet tooth scents: food-inspired perfumes surge as weight-loss drugs suppress appetites
Experts warn Britain dangerously reliant on imported food
Family of Notting Hill Carnival murder victim call event unmanageable
Bunkers, Billions and Apocalypse: The Secret Compounds of Zuckerberg and the Tech Giants
Ukraine Declares De Facto War on Hungary and Slovakia with Terror Drone Strikes on Their Gas Lifeline
Animated K-pop Musical ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Becomes Netflix’s Most-Watched Original Animated Film
New York Appeals Court Voids Nearly $500 Million Civil Fraud Penalty Against Trump While Upholding Fraud Liability
Elon Musk tweeted, “Europe is dying”
Far-Right Activist Convicted of Incitement Changes Gender and Demands: "Send Me to a Women’s Prison" | The Storm in Germany
Hungary Criticizes Ukraine: "Violating Our Sovereignty"
Will this be the first country to return to negative interest rates?
Child-free hotels spark controversy
North Korea is where this 95-year-old wants to die. South Korea won’t let him go. Is this our ally or a human rights enemy?
Hong Kong Launches Regulatory Regime and Trials for HKD-Backed Stablecoins
China rehearses September 3 Victory Day parade as imagery points to ‘loyal wingman’ FH-97 family presence
Trump Called Viktor Orbán: "Why Are You Using the Veto"
×