The Advanced Guide to Bringing Nature Back Into Your Garden
Part of the joy of gardening is providing a home for wildlife. In today’s modern world, this work is more important than ever. It’s gardeners who are on the battle lines, defending many creatures from habitat destruction. So what can you do to bring a little nature back into your garden?
Make Nests For Ladybirds
Ladybirds, like their namesake, need nests for laying and hatching their young. Fortunately, making a nest for ladybirds is easy. Just tie a bunch of bamboo stems together with some string. Then leave the bamboo tied up under a tree or in a crack in the fence.
Encourage Bees
As we all know, bees are on the decline. Scientists aren’t sure what’s causing the decline. But the consequences for all of us could be far-reaching. Planting plants that are rich in nectar is one way to help them get enough food to sustain their hives. High pollen plants include nepeta, lavender and hardy salvia. The Royal Horticultural Society Provides more useful information on what to plant.
Feed Wildlife
There are plenty of garden critter under threat right now. The problem for a lot of wildlife seems to be the fact that they can’t safely cross roads to get to their food. Fortunately, hedgehogs can be fed a variety of household items. They’ll eat dog and cat food. And they’ll also happily munch their way through cooked veggies. Just make sure you don’t feed them milk or any products containing flour, like bread.
Set Up A Home For Frogs
Garden ponds are probably the most significant contributor to garden wildlife. The location for your fish pond is, therefore, critical. Garden ponds shouldn’t be left out in the sun all day to bake. But they also shouldn’t be kept in the shade, as this will cause algae to grow. Ponds should be placed in a spot that gets a little sunshine and shade throughout the day. Ponds are great for frogs and newts. Just make sure that the dugout is shallower at the edges so that creatures can climb in and out.
Plant Native Hedgerows
Hedgerows are an important space for wildlife. And they make a great replacement to a traditional wooden fence. Indigenous hedges provide a home for native wildlife. Hedges produce berries and nuts that act as a source of food for local wildlife.
Set Up A Bird Box
Before setting up a bird box, think about the types of birds that are local to your area. For instance, if there are crows in your area, set up individual bird boxes that are easily defended. Crows raise their young alone. Other birds, like sparrows, tend to raise their young in groups. And so larger, more communal boxes are better for this purpose.
Keep Your Pond Clean
The bane of many gardener’s lives is the buildup of algae in their ponds. Fortunately, gardeners can now buy barley straw pond cleaners. These don’t contain any harmful chemicals. And they are recommended by organisations, like the RSPB.
Plant “Red Jade”
Red Jade produces crab apples – a great food source for wildlife.
