Are you craving more fluttering wings, chirping melodies, and quiet rustlings in your garden? Inviting wildlife into your backyard isn't just about enjoying nature's spectacle. It also plays a huge role in preserving the planet’s biodiversity. So, how exactly do we roll out the green carpet for our local wildlife?
1. Food, glorious food
First things first - food! Install bird feeders and bird tables in your garden to attract a variety of birds. Fill them with seeds, fresh fruits, and nuts, but remember, different species have different dietary preferences, so variety is key!
A lot of people shy away from putting food in the garden in case they attract the wrong sort of wildlife, such as skunks or opossums, but with the right food choices and access to humane wildlife management specialists, this is not the problem that you might think it is. Feeding wildlife is one of the best things you can do for the planet, so try not to worry too much.
2. H20 heaven
All living creatures need water. A bird bath, a small pond, or even just a shallow dish filled with fresh water can draw wildlife to your garden. If you opt for a pond, it can attract frogs, newts, dragonflies, and birds. But safety first - make sure the pond has a gentle slope to prevent smaller animals from falling in and not being able to get back out.
3. Create cozy nooks
Provide safe spaces for wildlife to rest, nest, and hibernate. Bird boxes, hedgehog homes, and bug hotels can all be introduced into your garden. Leaving a pile of leaves in a quiet corner or letting a patch of grass grow tall can also create natural shelter for various creatures who will be more likely to visit as a result.
4. Plant a variety
Diversify your plant life. Native trees and shrubs provide excellent shelter and food sources for birds and insects. Plant flowers and herbs that bloom at different times of the year to ensure a steady food supply for pollinators. Layer your plants, from ground covers to tall trees, to mimic nature and provide habitats for different types of wildlife.
5. Go organic
Chemical pesticides and fertilizers might make your plants look lush, but they can be harmful to wildlife and beneficial insects. Switch to organic gardening methods. Encourage natural pest controllers like birds and ladybugs into your garden. You should also think about composting your kitchen waste to enrich your soil naturally.
6. Let it be
Sometimes, the best thing to do is nothing! Leaving certain areas of your garden a little wild can encourage wildlife. This can also prevent animals from trying to find warmth and shelter within your own home. Resist the urge to clear away rotting logs or deadhead all your flowers because they are natural habitats and food sources for wildlife. This said, don't let your garden become too overgrown, as it may encourage pests such as rats and mice. If vegetation begins to overwhelm your home, you'll also find some animals will attempt to make your house their home too. Eventually, these animals will die, and you may find your house starting to smell. Finding a dead animal in wall cavities, for example, is never a nice experience, and you'll need a professional to remove the body. Once the body is removed, the smell should stop, but to stop it from happening again you need to find a balance between letting your garden grow wild and maintaining it to a safe standard.
7. Provide safe passages
If you have fences or walls, consider creating small openings at the bottom to allow small mammals like hedgehogs to move freely between gardens. This helps them to find food, mates, and new habitats, especially in urban areas where green spaces are limited.
Welcoming wildlife into your garden can transform it into a lively, thriving ecosystem and provide hours of entertainment, so what are you waiting for?
Post a Comment
Thanks for the blogging Love