Monday, April 24, 2017

Transforming Your Garden Into A Wildlife Magnet

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Wildlife lovers needn’t hike out into the country to see nature at large. By making a few adjustments to your garden, you may be able to attract many of the Earth’s beautiful creatures to your back door. Here are just a few ways that you can transform your garden into a natural sanctuary full of biodiversity.


Plant a tree


Trees encourage all kinds of wildlife from birds to squirrels. Even something small like a crab apple tree is likely to attract aphids, which in turn provide a tasty food source for other bigger animals. You can hire a professional to plant one for you, or do it yourself. This post on Expert Tree Planting Advice offers some useful information on how to introduce a tree to your garden for those going DIY. Make sure to check with your neighbours and planning committee. Trees do take a few years to grow, so those looking for more instant results may want to try other methods in the meantime.


Build a pond


Ponds have all kinds of benefits from looking pretty to upping the value of your home. They’re also ideal for attractive wildlife to your garden. Of course, you can buy your own fish, but quite often these won’t be the only animals that want to live here. Frogs and newts to your pond, especially if there are other water sources nearby. Insects such as dragonflies meanwhile will be a more popular sight.   


Set up a birdfeeder


The ultimate way of attracting birds to your garden is to set up a bird feeder. You can make your own, or buy a pre-built one. A bird feeder can hang from a tree or be free standing. Occasionally, wily squirrels will steal your bird feed. Whilst there are squirrel-proof bird feeders available, buying a squirrel baffle may be a simpler solution.


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Lure with specific plants


Plants that are rich in nectar will attract pretty insects such as butterflies and bumblebees. By attracting more insects, your garden will also attract more birds. There are pollen-heavy plants that can attract wildlife all year round. Buddleias and ivy are generally autumn flowering, whilst crocuses and winter aconites can attract insects in the coldest months.


Don’t throw all your dead plant matter in the compost bin. Creating a woodpile at the end of the garden can be a great source of woodlice of worms that will in turn attract wildlife such as hedgehogs.


Cut out the chemicals


Chemical fertilisers, pesticides and weed-killers may all be having a negative effect on your garden’s ecosystem. Where you can, try to swap out these chemical methods for more natural approaches. Use animal dung and mulched up compost as a natural fertiliser. Use salt and vinegar to ward off weeds instead of using chemical sprays. Meanwhile, try experimenting with various bio-friendly pesticides such as chili powder, onions and beer traps that are likely to ward off intended parasites without disrupting your garden’s entire bio-diversity.

1 Smart Readers SAID::

Hollysbirdnest.com said...

Thank you! Great ideas for a more natural garden!!

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