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Creating a thriving garden that attracts a range of wildlife is a long-term process that requires considerable planning. Start with a thorough plan that considers your budget and time limitations. Set your priorities, and then slowly develop your project.

In developing your plan, certain considerations are key for creating a healthy and wildlife-friendly garden.

Diversity

Planting a variety of trees, shrubs, and other plants provides a diversity of different food types and therefore allows you to meet the needs of a greater number of wildlife species. One species might prefer nuts, another seeds, another fruits, and yet another nectar, and any one species can have different needs depending on the season. Birds such as the American goldfinch, for example, like to eat seeds and yet require a supply of insects at nesting time to feed their young.

Change of Seasons

Most wildlife cannot survive on only one season’s food. If your flowers bloom only midsummer, what will the butterflies do in the spring and fall? Try to provide a variety of plants that provide food and shelter throughout the year. Deciduous trees provide shelter in summer but evergreens provide protection from the cold climate.

Arrangement of Shelter

What your garden provides is important, but how you arrange it is equally so. For instance, in the absence of nearby shelter to escape predators, most wildlife will consider your food too risky. This shelter, however, should not be positioned as to allow potential predators (such as cats) to lie in wait and spring on visiting animals as they eat. Consider how best to arrange your garden to allow for the safety of wildlife and your enjoyment of it. Garden edges are particularly useful to wildlife.

Climate

In choosing plants for your garden, consider the local climate. A plant that is very useful to wildlife in zone 7 will not do much good if you live in zone 4. Select plants that are suitable for the local climate.

Soil

Get to know the soil conditions in the different areas of your yard and select plants that prefer each soil type. Better to do the research before you plant than to spend many months struggling to make an unsuitable plant prosper in the wrong location.
Read more on soil care »

Native Plants

Plants native to your area are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions and will thrive without harmful pesticides. A plant under stress because of unsuitable soil and climate conditions is more vulnerable to insect pests, disease, and competition from weeds.

As well, local wildlife are better able to utilize native plants because the flora and fauna have evolved together. Fancy exotic flowers, for example, have been bred for show and not for their ability to provide nectar for pollinators.

Keep it Real

Before you get too far in your planning, decide what kind of wildlife you want to attract. However, be realistic: don’t expect to see moose in a downtown backyard! Pick four or five species of wild animals found in your area and build your plan with their needs in mind. Find out what kinds of plants provide their favourite food and shelter (remember, these plants should be native to your area). Consider what kind of soil, light, and water needs these plants have. Consult local field guides or naturalist clubs to determine the species found in your area.