A wildlife garden is a garden that attracts various forms of wildlife. This could include birds, amphibians, mammals, insects, and reptiles. Wildlife gardens are usually purposefully created by the gardener, or allowed to flourish as naturally as possible, without any maintenance or intervening by a gardener.
Wildlife gardens are more common for organic gardeners. The philosophies seem to mesh very well together. Organic gardeners will often incorporate various forms of wildlife gardening techniques into their settings. These are able to be used as a means of pest control as well as a way to promote biodiversity benefitting the overall environment. A wildlife garden can be in a variety of habitats. A pond is a nice wildlife garden for frogs, toads, newts, dragonflies, and birds among many others. Nest boxes are great for birds, bees, particular insects, as well as hedgehogs. Log piles are great for worms, toads, lizards, and insects. A wildflower grouping, like those found in meadows, is also good for attracting insects and birds, as well as certain mammals.
For a wildlife garden, the plants that are chosen are plants that are native to the area. Although some exotic plants can be used, sticking with native species creates a better look. Native plants will be used in a way that is enhancing to your setting, even though they do have a biological significance. The idea, as with any garden, is to create something that is aesthetically pleasing. A wild garden is a prime example of a water-wise garden; the natural species are the optimal water knowing plants in the area. The key to a wildlife gardening is understanding the relationship between the plants and animals. Wildlife gardens need to keep the native plants in the places of most importance, exotics will not compete well with the native plants. Native plants will beat them when it comes to getting nutrients as well as providing nutrients.
Creating a wildlife garden really depends on replicating a natural environment. This will allow the plants to be in a natural environment, as well as allowing the animals to be as well. This may not be able to be fully done, but it is important to allow the garden to be at least partially natural. When it comes to a garden layout, there are four basic types of habitats that should be included. These include the Open Area, the Exclusion Area, the Canopy corridor, and the Wetland. The Open Area is the space that is exposed in the garden, basically the area that would be the lawn. This could also consist of low laying annuals or groundcovers. The exclusion area is a denser are, comprised of trees, making it a safe location for animals to seek shelter or protection. The canopy is the higher areas of the wildlife garden, a place for birds to seek refuge for example. Finally, the wetland is just that, an area of the garden that has water accessible. This may be a water fountain, pond or a stream for example.
A wildlife garden is a very informal type of garden, and this can be a very rewarding and aesthetically pleasing look. These gardens will require some maintenance but not nearly as much as a formal garden. Allowing these plants to grow and thrive in their natural state is key, so the idea is to interfere as little as possible.
