Welcome to our home. As you walk along Southcliffe Road, ours may seem like just another ordinary bungalow, but once you go through the gate and up the steps (only a few), you will soon see this is a wonderful space for bees and butterflies and many other insects. If it is hot, there is also a possibility you will see damselflies and dragonflies. The garden is planted with a large range of early flowering trees and shrubs, perennial plants and bulbs that flower just about all year round as the winters are quite mild here in Swanage. This helps the bees get an early start. There are 18 different types of bee in the United Kingdom however we only have a small number in our garden but it is interesting to see them at this time of year feeding off the sedum (ice plants) which they particularly like or resting on one of the many birdbaths we have dotted around.
We are also visited by many birds and we try and help them by providing thick hedges so they can nest in and around the garden and some nesting boxes for those birds who like something a little more luxurious. In the garden you will see two houses for frogs and toads. This is called a ‘Frogilo’. You will find them situated in a quiet, cool, shaded area. It keeps the frogs cool in the summer but warm in the winter.
Recent additions to the garden are the creation of a ‘living roof’ on the summerhouse and shed. This further helps to support wildlife by providing a microclimate for insects and adds a little splash of colour on what otherwise would be rather a plain felt roof. Excess rain is collected in water butts which is used to water all the pots and top up the pond which provides an additional habitat for wildlife. Raised beds allows us to grow a small range of fruit and vegetables which we enjoy throughout the year. Our garden is not very tidy so please don’t expect manicured lawns and weed free borders. We do not use pesticides in the garden. It is natural and encourages biodiversity.
The bungalow itself benefits from solar panels with a 5.2 KW battery in the loft space, which helps keep the electricity bill down. They look very smart but you can’t really see them from the road so please come and have a look from the garden. You can enjoy a piece of honey cake and a cup of tea whilst you are here too.
Please be advised the bee hives have been relocated to an out apiary and are no longer in the garden.
How to Find Us
There are two Open Greener Homes that can be accessed from Southcliffe Road. Park in Bon Accord Road then walk down Southcliffe Road, which is unmade-up, and visit Farndreg (please book) and Knap (drop in). After passing Osmay Road, Knap is the third bungalow on the left. Come up the path and ring the doorbell. If you have mobility issues and need to drive, turn into Osmay Road and park on the right past the trees with metal tree guards. You can enter the property though the wooden gate.
Knap is open by appointment at other times of the year, please email dorsetgreenerhomes@gmail.com to book your visit.