Wildlife in the garden
- Details
- Published on Sunday, April 10, 2016
By Patricia Hanbidge
Saskatoon School of Horticulture Principal
The first step in becoming a wildlife gardener is to determine what critters you wish to attract. It is then necessary to know what to plant and the forms of animal life that will respond to your plantings.
For a yard to be a haven for wildlife there must be diversity. To achieve this diversity one must have a variety of habitats in one's yard; it is necessary to find space for lawns, flowerbeds, low shrubs, hedges, taller shrubs and trees. If you want to attract wildlife there are a few basic principles that can be applied.
There must be a balance between lawn and taller vegetation; only half of the available space in the yard should be in turf. Open space is also important for letting in sunlight and providing the “edge effect” that is essential for good nesting habitat. Along the “edge” are where most flowers are seen in bloom and where fruits and berries ripen most luxuriantly. The largest number of bees, butterflies and day-flying moths are also found along the “edge.”
Border all openings with an appropriate assortment of plants. A simple way to create a border is to leave an area of lawn uncut. A border can be created between an area of mowed lawn and an area of lawn that is uncut. Another border can be created between the lawn area to an area planted with a ground cover. The area between the lawn and the trees should be graduated. Place low plants beside the lawn and plant progressivelytaller plants behind these. Gradually move the ceiling taller by planting low shrubs, taller shrubs and finally small and large trees.
It is necessary to plant windbreaks. Windbreaks should consist of conifers, long lived hardwoods and some species that provide winter food. Some evergreen species should be grown; these are essential for shelter on those cold, windy winter days. It is important to have a balance between evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs.
The flowering trees and shrubs should be given a place of honour near the house. Two-legged wildlife can appreciate these species in this way. Incorporating a trellis and some climbing plants into your plan is also a wonderful idea.
It is essential that some species are planted that hold their fruit and/or seeds well. This will be a natural source of available food for late winter and early spring.
Existing hedges should not be pruned too vigorously because they become impenetrable to birds. Heavy pruning also removes blossoms and fruit buds, hence a food source as well. Judicious pruning improves the appearance of shrubs and trees as well as the shelter and nesting potentials.
Old trees should be left if they are healthy. Tall trees will act like a magnet for migrating birds; birds land in the tall trees and will fly lower if inducements are there. It is also a good idea to let vines crawl over old dead trees to improve their appearance.
Put up lots of bird feeders. Tubular feeders are best as they waste the least amount of feed, protect the feed from the weather and allow only a desired species to feed. Some ground feeding is also good. Especially at this time of year, it is important to keep those feeders full! Our fine feathered friends become accustomed to a food source and will come there to feed regularly when it is cold outside and other food sources are not available.
Hanbidge is a horticulturist with Saskatoon School of Horticulture (SSH) and can be reached at 306-931-GROW(4769) or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Enrol now for distance courses leading to a diploma or a certificate; visit saskhort.com. Study in the comfort of your own home; SSH grads are recognized by the industry as superb additions to help their horticultural business grow!Like us on Facebook and follow us on twitter @horticulturepat.
