1m² for Biodiversity: Small Space, Big Impact
AdminMay 26, 2026Recently, I had the pleasure of giving a live biodiversity garden demonstration at the Groen Geluk Markt, organised by Groen Leusden and Groei & Bloei at the Struintuin of De Groene Belevenis.
The event brought together local plant lovers, growers, and gardeners to buy, sell, and share a love of plants — a wonderfully fitting setting for conversations about nature-friendly gardening.
As a garden coach for Groen Leusden, I was invited to give a live demonstration at the event, showing how just 1m² of thoughtfully designed garden space can support biodiversity. By sharing simple planting ideas and small habitat features, I showed how even the smallest spaces can make a meaningful difference for wildlife.
The enthusiasm and conversations inspired me to share these ideas here too.
Can 1m² really make a difference?
Absolutely.
When people think about wildlife-friendly gardening, they often imagine large meadows, ponds, or expansive natural spaces. But biodiversity can begin on a much smaller scale.
Even a single square metre can provide the essentials wildlife needs:
Food – nectar-rich flowers, seeds, and berries
Water – a shallow dish, bowl, or mini pond
Shelter – grasses, logs, stones, and dense planting
Breeding Space – seed heads, hollow stems, and undisturbed corners
When these elements come together, even a tiny garden area can become a valuable mini ecosystem. And while one small patch may seem modest on its own, collectively our gardens, balconies, front borders, and community spaces can form powerful habitat networks.
By creating even the smallest wildlife-friendly spaces, we help connect fragmented habitats and offer food and shelter where it’s increasingly needed. Small changes, multiplied, can create meaningful ecological impact.
Creating biodiversity begins from the ground up. Healthy soil is the foundation of everything, supporting fungi, microorganisms, and invertebrates that quietly power the wider garden ecosystem. Adding compost, mulch, and organic matter improves soil health, moisture retention, and resilience — long before the first flower blooms.
From there, water can be one of the most powerful additions. Even a shallow bowl, dish, or container pond with stones for safe access can quickly attract bees, birds, amphibians, and beneficial insects.
Planting should then focus on layering different functions into the space. Structural plants such as grasses provide shelter and winter habitat, nectar-rich flowers support pollinators, ground cover protects soil and creates cover, and water plants can further expand ecological value.
For my 1m² example, I used a mix of mostly native or wildlife-supporting plants, including:
Structural planting:
1 Deschampsia cespitosa (Ruwe smele)
2 Briza media (Bevertjes)
Nectar-rich planting:
3 Knautia arvensis (Beemdkroon)
4 Centaurea jacea (Knoopkruid)
5 Achillea millefolium (Gewoon duizendblad)
Ground layer:
6 Ajuga reptans (Kruipend zenegroen)
7 Fragaria vesca (Bosaardbei)
Water element:
8 Mentha aquatica (Watermunt)
Together, these plants create layers of shelter, nectar, movement, and seasonal interest — proving that even very small spaces can work surprisingly hard for nature. And of course, if you have more room, this idea can easily be expanded with larger planting areas, shrubs, climbers, ponds, or trees.
Don’t Stress the Mess
Supporting biodiversity is not always about adding more. Sometimes, it is about leaving more behind.
Seed heads, leaf litter, hollow stems, logs, and small undisturbed corners all provide essential shelter for overwintering insects, birds, and amphibians. A slightly wilder space can often be far more valuable ecologically than one that is perfectly manicured.
In many cases, the simple act of resisting the urge to tidy everything away can make a remarkable difference.
Every Space Has Potential
One of the most rewarding parts of sharing this idea was seeing how empowering it felt for people. Biodiversity can often sound like something that requires major land, major effort, or major change — but sometimes, all it takes is one thoughtful square metre.
It’s manageable. Practical. Achievable.
Every space has potential. And if more of us create even the smallest pockets of biodiversity, together we can build stronger, more connected landscapes for nature — one garden corner at a time.
Need Help?
If you’re rethinking your outdoor space and would like help creating a garden with increased biodiversity, I’d love to hear from you.
