Planting the dome

The final stage of building your Hedgehog Dome is planting the mound. Plants do more than make the Dome look natural: they regulate temperature, hold the soil together, provide food for insects, and offer extra cover for hedgehogs. By choosing the right native species for your climate, you create a self-sustaining micro-habitat that supports biodiversity year-round.

Planting principles

• On top, front section (above the entrances): plant low-growing species so the entrance tunnels remain clear and hedgehogs can move in and out freely.
• On top, back and side sections: plant larger species such as grasses, small shrubs, or wildflowers to provide shade, camouflage, and insect habitat.
• Diversity: mix species so that flowers, seeds, and cover are available across different seasons.
• Native only: always choose plants from your local ecosystem to support biodiversity and avoid invasive risks.

Planting examples by climate

1. Cool-temperate climate (e.g. Northern & Western Europe)

Front: Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum), Common daisy (Bellis perennis), Wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella).

Back & sides: Red campion (Silene dioica), Meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris), Ferns (Dryopteris filix-mas), Tufted hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa).

2. Mediterranean / warm-temperate climate (e.g. Southern Europe, parts of the Middle East)

Front: Wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare), Rockrose (Helianthemum nummularium), Dwarf iris (Iris pumila).

Back & sides: Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Drought-tolerant grasses (Stipa tenacissima).

3. Semi-arid / savannah climate (e.g. parts of Africa where hedgehogs live)

Front: African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha), Dwarf purslane (Portulaca oleracea), Ground morning glory (Evolvulus alsinoides).

Back & sides: Wild aloe (Aloe secundiflora), Spear grass (Heteropogon contortus), Wild basil (Ocimum gratissimum).

Practical planting tips

1. Always keep entrances clear of roots and tall plants.
2. Water new plants until they are established; afterwards, most native species thrive without extra care.
3. Use mulch, bark, or leaf litter between plants to stabilize soil and provide additional cover for hedgehogs.
4. Let nature take over: fallen leaves and natural growth will only improve the Dome’s habitat value over time.