Christine Whatley was a finalist in the Marshalls RHS Chelsea Flower Show Professional Competition 2007 with this design for a Chic Wildlife Haven.

The Chic Wildlife Haven is designed for a family wanting to encourage wildlife without compromising on style. Emphasis is on varied habitats, with the strong geometric design maintaining an uncluttered feel.

The site was a small garden, typical of modern housing developments, and this design shows how much can be included to benefit wildlife whilst still maintaining a contemporary and stylish family garden.

The garden packs in a wealth of wildlife friendly features, including water, food and shelter. Materials were chosen to minimise the carbon footprint. Dense planting, including a green roof, further offsets that footprint. Rainwater and compost facilities were also included.