A Wildlife Balcony by Dyane Silvester

Have you ever heard someone say “I live in the city and don't have a garden; there's nothing I can really do for wildlife”? I wonder whether these people have ever stopped to think about what can actually be done in the smallest space to attract wildlife? Indeed, have you?

If you are lucky enough to have a balcony, there are numerous plants which thrive in pots and will attract insects, hoverflies, bees and butterflies. Lavender is easy to keep in pots, or even window boxes, and just needs cutting back at the end of the summer. Bumble bees love it and although you're unlikely to attract goldfinches to a balcony there's always a chance you'll be lucky since the seed heads are one of their favourite foods.

Teasel loves wasteland so is easy to grow too. You could plant it in the same pots as the lavender, though it is too tall for those window boxes! Sedum's pink or white blooms arrive later in the summer, and red admiral butterflies love it. Thyme, rosemary and marjoram (oregano) will give you not only flowers covered with bees and other insects, but also a beautiful scent, and organically grown herbs to add to your cooking. You can cut them and hang them to dry to be used through the winter. If you grow chives, be sure to let some of them flower too, as the bees also love them.

If you have a small yard, or a larger balcony, you have the option of small shrubs such as dwarf buddleia or lilac, which will attract butterflies. And with a little DIY skill you could fix some brackets to the wall for hanging baskets. Try marigolds for the butterflies alongside hanging varieties of tomato for yourself, or bird feeders. Remember not to wash the balcony railings too often either, as a little moss growth will provide shelter for insects and spiders, and you'll soon find blue tits visiting to take advantage of this easy food.

Even with all this wildlife, there's no need for you to vacate your balcony. Keep a couple of chairs out there, sit out regularly and quietly enjoy the sunshine and you will be surprised by the extent to which the delightful buzzing activity is comfortable with your presence.