The study was carried out by a doctor of zoology with an academic background in England, USA, Uganda and Sierra Leone, in her own garden when she took up an appointment in a nearby university. One doesn’t tend to think of a UK garden being diversity rich but the study reveals that a small urban garden contains 2,673 species, which included 474 plants, 1997 insects, 138 invertebrates (spiders, woodlice, slugs, etc) and 64 vertebrates of which 54 were birds. Although these numbers are impressive, they do not tell the full story as several insect groups contain species that are so similar they were not individually counted. Scientists say that had all species been identified and counted the total would have probably exceeded 8,000! However, during a particular three year period one of these specialist groups was studied; this was the parasitic wasps, and this revealed 533 species, 7 of which were new to Britain and 4 new to science! These parasitic wasps are very important to us gardeners as they help to control many of our unwanted pests and supply a free service that indiscriminate use of chemicals would destroy.

One wonders if 2,763 species can occupy a small urban garden in a cold climate in the northern hemisphere, what must exist in our warm tropical gardens in Kenya and how many unknown species exist there? The lesson for us gardeners is to look after our gardens and the wild creatures that inhabit them. Because in this age, fast-expanding urban sprawl is gobbling up natural habitats and could lead to the demise of the creatures that normally live in them. Without gardens, much of this richness could be lost.

Is there a scientist in our midst who has the knowledge and interest to study a small Nairobi garden for 3 years… or 30?! The findings would be very interesting.

Plants Galore Garden Centre
Directions: Use the Limuru Road from Muthaiga and continue past the Village Market and the turning into Runda.  200 m beyond the Runda turning take the murram track on the right hand side, where there is a Plants Galore sign board. After the bridge over the river fork right; the Centre is 100 m on the right. You can’t miss it!
Telephone: 020 2446103 or 0773 612589
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