Garden News Mini Mag

AboutNOW
Enter the
garden of
smiles
Temple-like topiary, magical
sculptures and a nod to Blighty
With more than 30
themed gardens,
there’s a nod to
every culture and
animal kingdom
If you’re visiting Thailand this
summer, the NongNooch
Tropical Botanical Garden
between Pattaya and Sattaheep
is well worth a daytrip or two.
First opened in the 1980s,
NongNooch is host to weird
and wonderful attractions and
themed gardens, including a
Bonsai Garden, Desert Rose
Garden, European
Garden, Orchid Garden,
Floating Garden, animal
sculptures and a real zoo.
There’s a hotel and
eateries on site so you
can stay long enough to enjoy all
there is to offer. You could even
make your way around the site
by bike or pedal boat hire – or if
you’re not
scared of heights, the 3km Sky
Walk! Visit www.nong
noochgardenpattaya.com
Photos: Shutterstock
Butterfly House opens
Next week sees the opening of the
National Botanic Garden of Wales’ brand
new Butterfly House – Plas Pilipala.
More than 20 butterfly species will arrive as
pupae, including species from Central and
South America, the West Indies, Caribbean,
Tonga, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. It
opens to the public on July 1 and will also
highlight the scientific research the gardens
are doing with bees, pollen, honey, hoverflies,
moths and other pollinators.
The move comes as part of a larger drive to
make the gardens more appealing as a family
attraction. This will include holding more than
100 days of family activity events, such as den
building and pond dipping, a £50,000 new play
Some of the new butterflies
Polymorphic
longwing
Blue
morpho
park, a water zorbing pool and a new straw
bale maze.
For further information visit www.
botanicgarden.wales, tel 01558 667149.
Tailed
jay
The Butterfly House at the
National Botanic Garden of Wales
Asian
swallowtail
National Botanic Garden of Walesw
Shutterstock
How to help
hedgehogs
Who doesn’t love seeing a
hedgehog snuffling
around in their garden?
Yet, surprisingly, a survey by the
RSPB has revealed 24 per cent of
280,000 people asked have never
seen one in their plot. Now the
charity is urging people to make
their outdoor spaces more wildlife
friendly to encourage more visits.
In particular, hedgehogs are
attracted to wild patches, and places
to shelter such as woodpiles or a
specially-made hedgehog house.
Also, make sure your garden has a
small access space, such as a 15cm
(6in) hole under your fence or gate.
They’ll repay your hospitality by
keeping your tender plants free
from nibbling slugs and snails.