We love gardening because we enjoy the outdoors and seeing the efforts of our labor blooming. For some gardeners, we also love to see the wildlife that comes to the yard. This can be anything from hummingbirds and butterflies to rabbits and deer working their way through. If you’re looking to attract wildlife to your garden, it’s important to consider which types of wildlife you want to invite. You’ll also want to protect certain areas of your garden, too. You may love the little rabbit family nibbling on clover on your lawn, but you might not want them chewing up your roses and carrots. So be sure to have your garden ready before inviting furry friends to your yard.
Once you’re ready, here are a few ways to make your garden wildlife-friendly.
1. Attract the Birds with Bird feeders
Start with a bird feeder. Birds are always on the lookout for food, especially when the weather is severely cold or there is less food available due to the season. Birds will find your feeder and continue to come for feed as long as you keep it well-stocked. Fill your feeder with a good quality feed.
You may want to add a Nyjer seed feeder, too. Nyjer seed is very small, and the feeder has tiny holes to prevent waste. This is perfect for small birds like the goldfinch who like these small seeds and the benefit of not having to compete with large birds at the regular feeder. Another feeder that is a must-have is the hummingbird feeder. These feeders hold liquid sugar water that takes the place of nectar. These feeders are especially important in the spring when there aren’t as many flowers blooming, and the hummingbirds have to compete with other pollinators for the nectar. Once you have attracted the hummingbirds, they will continue to come to your feeder to supplement the natural nectar of the flowers. They are beautiful, and it can be fun to watch them hover around the feeder and finally feed while still in flight.
Remember that some birds are ground feeders. In other words, they like to eat off the ground and aren’t as comfortable on a raised feeder. Usually, enough feed will be dropped to the ground by the other birds at the feeder to supply your ground feeders, but a handful of seeds once in a while won’t hurt. Ground feeders include cardinals and mourning doves.
If you set up bird feeders, you will have squirrels. These animals are a lot of fun to watch, and they are always looking for a free handout. They can empty a bird feeder in a short amount of time. All sorts of inventions have been tried to keep the squirrels from the bird feed, but the squirrels usually win. Along with the squirrels will come the chipmunks, field mice, etc.
You might also attract wild turkeys and deer. Both are like dried corn. Keep a supply both on and off the cob. If you watch at night, you will probably see the reflection of a raccoon’s eyes in the moonlight getting his midnight snack.
2. Don't Forget Water
All animals need water. Ideally, you have a small pond for them to drink from. The pond is the best source as it takes minimal effort from you to keep all the wildlife well-watered. In addition to mammals that will drink from your pond, you will also attract frogs and toads. The wild ducks, herons, and cranes will also enjoy your pond.
You are not lucky enough to have a pond or supply water in containers. If you have a deer population, use a regular stock tank for them. If you have smaller animals that would appreciate water, sink a tub into the ground so that the lip is at ground level. Have lots of birdbaths in your yard. They can be repurposed containers like an old wheelbarrow or bucket. A good-sized tub will also be effective. Not only do animals need water to drink, but they need to keep clean and cool off in the heat of summer.
3. Grow Native Plants
When looking at plants for sale, consider those that are native to your area or heirlooms. Animals and the plants they need evolved together over time. If you can supply some of the native plants that aren’t grown as much, you will attract the animals and wildlife that still prefer them. Many of the older varieties of plants have been replaced with hybrids or are just not popular anymore. Animals, for the most part, don’t care if the flower is a different color or grows in climates it couldn’t tolerate before.
Plant what the wildlife you are trying to attract wants to eat. The perfect example is the Monarch butterfly. This butterfly was heading towards extinction due to a lack of milkweed plants, which it needs to reproduce. Gardeners have made a positive impact on restoring the Monarch population simply by making room in their gardens for the rather unattractive milkweed plant.
4. Set Up Some Shelter
Different wildlife like to live and hide in different conditions. For example, you may want to provide areas of long grasses for birds and other animals to nest in. Birdhouses are preferred by other birds. Heavy shrubs are great hiding places for songbirds that are preyed upon by hawks.
Different varieties of trees will attract wildlife. Evergreens are home to some animals, while others prefer a nut tree to provide a food supply. Possums and raccoons prefer to climb for safety. A stone or rock wall is preferred by snakes and chipmunks. A pile of old logs will make a perfect home for several animals, while others will use it to stash their winter supply of food. Rabbits love a heavy brush pile for their home.
5. Keep an on Your Pets
Pets can scare, injure, or even kill the wildlife in your yard. If you are going to encourage wildlife to live in your yard, it is up to you to keep your pets under control. Don’t allow your cat to freely roam the yard as they will kill small animals and birds. Your dogs will be able to find the nest of baby rabbits or ducklings. It is in their nature. To protect the wildlife you are encouraged to come to your yard as much as possible.
No matter what type of wildlife you’re looking to invite into your yard, you are sure to get more than you even realize by providing the food, shelter, and water that most creatures need to live. Then, simply sit back and enjoy the view as these new friends find their way into your yard.
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