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Discover the transformative power – for you and for wildlife – of building an outdoor sanctuary for all species to thrive in and enjoy.
In a hidden valley tucked into an unspoiled corner of Northumberland lies a naturalist's garden, developed from scratch by award-winning gardener and author Susie White, her husband and friends. This is the story of how they created a remarkable oasis, a place as alive as it is beautiful.
Susie's vision and passion unfold as she transforms a patch of untended ground into a wildlife-friendly haven, planted with flowering perennials, trees, herbs, vegetables, and a wildflower meadow. The spaces teem with life: owls and blackbirds, bats and mice, butterflies and bees, all drawn by pollen-rich flowers, ponds, and nesting sites. Second Nature takes us through the planning and construction, and describes how she designed the garden to blend harmoniously with her natural environment.
From the plants and wildlife to the structures that provide shelter and habitat, every element reflects Susie's commitment to sustainability. Her account is filled with inspiration and practical advice for gardeners to learn from, and her deep appreciation for the natural world shines through.
Susie White is a gardening and travel writer, broadcaster, wildlife photographer and lecturer. A lifelong and passionate gardener, she developed the garden at Chesters Walled Garden on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. Since then she has created a garden from scratch in a hidden valley on previously uncultivated land. Beyond the garden, Susie's interests include the environment, conservation, wildlife, upland hay meadows, archaeology, heritage skills and the landscape and walks of the North Pennines, Northumberland, and the Lake District. She is a regular contributor to the Guardian, BBC Countryfile, The English Garden, Homes and Gardens, and is garden columnist for My Weekly magazine. A member of the Garden Media Guild, and RHS speaker, she is the author of Gardens of Northumberland and the Borders.
