Added by one of The Garden Professional’s clients

Gardens are full of life, mystery, and unexpected surprises. While many people focus on vibrant flowers, lush lawns, and well-trimmed hedges, there’s always more than meets the eye. My garden, in particular, has some fascinating secrets that make it a truly special place. Here are five little-known facts about my garden that might just inspire you to take a closer look at your own!

1. My Garden Has a Hidden Wildlife Highway

You might not see them during the day, but my garden is home to a well-trodden wildlife corridor. At night, hedgehogs, foxes, and even the occasional badger use the space to travel between different gardens in the area. I first discovered this when I set up a wildlife camera near the back fence. To encourage these nighttime visitors, I’ve left small gaps in the fencing and planted hedgerows that provide shelter and food. If you want to create your own wildlife-friendly garden, consider adding native plants and leaving a small passage for animals to move freely.

2. Some of My Plants Are Self-Seeding Survivors

While I love growing flowers and vegetables, some plants in my garden have a mind of their own. There are a few plants that return year after year without any help from me! My foxgloves, poppies, and forget-me-nots have mastered the art of self-seeding. This means that even when I think I’ve cleared a patch, these resilient flowers pop up again the following season. Self-seeding plants are a fantastic way to create a natural, low-maintenance garden that evolves over time.

3. My Soil Is Rich Thanks to a Secret Ingredient

Good soil is the foundation of any thriving garden, and mine has a little secret: homemade compost infused with coffee grounds! I collect used coffee grounds from my morning brews and mix them into my compost bin. Coffee grounds add nitrogen to the soil, which helps plants grow lush and green. They also improve soil structure and attract beneficial earthworms. If you’re a coffee drinker, don’t throw away those used grounds—your garden will thank you!

4. There’s a Hidden Microclimate in One Corner

One of the most surprising discoveries in my garden is a small area with its own unique microclimate. This spot, sheltered by a tall hedge and a south-facing wall, is noticeably warmer than the rest of the garden. Thanks to this, I can grow plants that wouldn’t normally thrive in my region, like delicate herbs and even a small fig tree. If you pay attention to your own garden’s layout, you might find pockets of warmth or coolness that allow you to experiment with different plant varieties.

5. An Ancient Tree Holds a Family Secret

At the heart of my garden stands an old apple tree that has been there for generations. This tree was planted by my grandfather, and every autumn, it still produces delicious apples. What makes it even more special is that it has a small carved marking on its trunk—something my grandfather made as a child. It’s a reminder of the history and memories that gardens can hold. If you have older trees in your garden, they might have their own hidden stories waiting to be uncovered.