Location: garden global » Gardening Wildlife

Gardening Wildlife

The key to attracting wildlife to your property is variety in plantings. No matter how small your area, you can increase the likelihood of attracting birds and other animals by growing plants that will provide both food and shelter. Native plants are preferred over introduced species as they are usually more robust and require less care. A water source is essential, be it a simple saucer, a concrete birdbath or an elaborate pond.

Birds, bees, butterflies and wild flowers are rapidly disappearing from our countryside. Some farmers have been tempted by Government policies into uprooting hedges, abandoning stubbles, and using ever more effective insecticides and herbicides. Intensive farming has done untold damage to our countryside and wildlife. The wildflowers of our youth have disappeared, and with them the seeds and insects on which the birds depend.

The ploughing of winter stubbles has deprived the birds of vital food. Rough headlands and unsprayed pastures are a thing of the past. This is the reason why gardening for wildlife, wild flowers, nature and conservation is so important and even vital for some species Our gardens have become the chief refuge for the wildlife that can adapt. Owls, foxes and even badgers have moved into the towns. It is up to us to provide them with their basic needs.

Anyone with a garden, a field or an orchard, however large or small, can come to the rescue by caring for it in a wildlife-friendly way. However all credit is due to those who do farm their land in an environmently acceptable manner and go to great lengths to make sure that their wildlife and wild flowers thrive.

Some forethought and planning will ensure that your garden meets both your needs and that of the wildlife you wish to attract. A good plan will also allow you to create a garden that is less work and more trouble-free. You will be able to attract birds, butterflies, and other wild species while still enjoying the welcoming beauty of your yard.

Gardening for wildlife is simple if you're aware of what wildlife is in your area and what their needs are. You may wish to attract wildlife to feed in your yard or go further and provide a diverse habitat.

Wildlife habitat necessities
Cover
Plants provide wildlife with protection from weather and predators as well as a place to rest, eat, and raise young. Often plants also provide food, and some will collect rain water for drinking, too.
Food
All wildlife feed on plants or other animals. Ideally, the diversity of plants in the yard will provide year-round food.
Water
Fresh drinking water is essential for wildlife. Some animals need bodies of water for egg laying and early development and some live partially or entirely in water. Ponds are gaining in popularity, but simply placing a birdbath or large plant saucer filled with fresh water will supply the needs of a wide variety of wildlife.

Be realistic
Before you get too far in your planning, you have to decide what kind of wildlife you want to attract. Be realistic - don’t expect to see moose in a downtown backyard! Pick four or five species of wild animals found in your area and build your plan with their needs in mind. Find out what kinds of plants provide their favourite food and shelter. Remember, those plants should be native to your area. What kind of soil, light, and water needs do they have. Consult local field guides or naturalist clubs to determine what species are found in your area.

Start by making a good, thorough plan, which considers your budget and time limitations, set your priorities, and then slowly develop your project. You will have much greater success this way than if you try to do everything at once without planning it out

Planning a successful wildlife habitat
Wildlife species
Determine which bird, amphibian, reptile, and mammal species visit your yard and live in your area. Learn more about them and their habitat needs.
Evaluate your yard
Which areas are used by wildlife? Can you enhance its value to the wildlife that currently visits? Can you modify it to attract other local wildlife? How much of your yard can you devote to wildlife? Can some areas do double duty? Are there especially dry, moist, or salty areas that you've given up on as far as traditional landscaping goes?

Diversity
Planting a variety of trees, shrubs, and other plants provides a diversity of different food types and therefore allows you to meet the needs of a greater number of wildlife species. One species might prefer nuts, another seeds, another fruits, and yet another nectar. Any one species can have different needs depending on the season. For example, birds, such as the American goldfinch, like to eat seeds and yet require a supply of insects at nesting time to feed their young. Other birds which feed mainly on insects through the spring and summer may turn to seeds over the winter when insects are not available.

Change of seasons
Most wildlife cannot survive on only 1 season of food. If your flowers only bloom midsummer what will the butterflies do in the spring and fall? Try to provide a variety of plants that will allow for food and shelter to be available throughout the year. Deciduous trees provide shelter in summer but evergreens provide protection from the cold climate.