Every living organism needs food, water and shelter to survive. In addition, conditions need to be favorable for them to reproduce and raise young in order to continue the species. These are the key elements in your backyard wildlife
habitat.
For wildlife in
your area, this can be as simple as having trees, shrubs and a mixture of plants and flowers to draw them into your yard. Even a small yard can be landscaped to attract a myriad
of wildlife...such as birds, small animals, bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.
When
building ecosystems, it is important to make sure they are healthy and balanced. Diversity is the key to attracting the
wildlife to your backyard. It is important to plant native species that will thrive in your area. Also, native species
require minimal maintenance after they establish themselves in your yard.
It is also very important to stop spraying to kill insects. You definitely do not want to poison the very animals you are wanting to attract! By stopping the spraying,
attracting the wildlife, it will naturally take care of lessening your insect population. In other words, a healthy, happy
and harmonious ecosystem in your backyard.
For information on native plants in your area, contact your local nursery,
landscapers or county extension agency. There are also countless websites with wonderful information. Here are just a few:
American Beauties Native Plants
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
e-nature's Native/Invasive Plant Guide
Now, with that said, don't panic if you have a small yard, or
are not a professional gardener. You can still have a habitat and help wildlife. There are no specific size requirements,
and no mater how experienced of a gardener you are, you are always learning more (or at least I am).
Tips on planning your garden
Gardening Definitions
Gardening Do's and Don'ts
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Not sure when to plant?
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