大象传媒

At the start of the project Chris Beardshaw, Paul鈥檚 mentor, set him the challenge of reflecting a theme that Chris is passionate about and knew would be an important talking point at this year's Chelsea: the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) 2010. Paul has designed a small garden which highlights how gardeners can create a desirable and stunning environment, working successfully for both people and wildlife. This garden aims to provide a space for the gardener to relax and enjoy, while also providing a rich habitat and ecosystem for a variety of at-risk garden insects and mammals.

The richly planted borders include a diverse range of trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals which the team envisage will be buzzing with insects throughout the show. For example, Sanguisorba officinalis represents the sole host plant of two endangered large blue butterfly species.

鈥淲e are planning to carry out an eco-survey during the show" explained Chris, "to monitor how much biodiversity can be created in a small urban garden in just one week!鈥�

Many of the structural elements of the garden actively enhance habitats and provide opportunities for wildlife colonisation. There are specially designed features such as a portico for birds to nest and log walls for insect habitats.