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getting
started
points
to consider
in
developing a good plan, there are certain considerations that are
important for creating a healthy and wildlife-friendly garden. These
include:
diversity
| change of seasons | arrangement
| climate | soil | native
plants | be realistic
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. Any
one species can have different needs depending on the season. For
example, birds, such as the American goldfinch, like to eat seeds
and yet require a supply of insects at nesting time to feed their
young. Other birds which feed mainly on insects through the spring
and summer may turn to seeds over the winter when insects are not
available.
change
of seasons
Most wildlife cannot survive on only 1 season of food. If your flowers
only bloom midsummer what will the butterflies do in the spring
and fall? Try to provide a variety of plants that will allow for
food and shelter to be available throughout the year. Deciduous
trees provide shelter in summer but evergreens provide protection
from the cold climate.
arrangement
It is not just what you provide that is important, but how you arrange
it. Food, in the absence of nearby shelter, will be considered too
risky for most wildlife. Wild animals need shelter at hand so they
can escape predators. This shelter, however, should not be so close
as to allow potential predators, such as cats, to lie in wait and
spring on them as they eat. Thought must be given on how best to
arrange your garden to allow for the safety of wildlife and your
enjoyment of it. Edges
are particularly useful to wildlife.
climate
In choosing plants for your garden you must consider the local
climate. A plant which is very useful to wildlife, but which
grows in zone 7 when you live in zone 4, will not do you much good.
Select plants that are suitable for the local climate.
soil
Get to know the soil conditions in the different areas of your yard
and pick plants that prefer that soil type. Plants in the wrong
location will suffer no matter how hard you try. It is better to
do the research before you plant than to spend many months struggling
to make an unsuitable plant prosper in the wrong location.
native
plants
Plants native to your area are adapted to the local climate and
soil conditions and will thrive better without the need for harmful
pesticides. A plant under stress because of unsuitable soil and
climate conditions will be more vulnerable to insect pests, disease,
and competition from weeds.
Wildlife
will also be better able to utilize native
plants as they have evolved together. Fancy exotic flowers,
for example, have been bred for show and not for their ability to
provide nectar for pollinators.
be
realistic
Before you get too far in your planning, you have to decide what
kind of wildlife you want to attract. 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, those plants should be native to your area.
What kind of soil, light, and water needs do they have. Consult
local field guides or naturalist clubs to determine what species
are found in your area.
Start
by making a good, thorough plan, which considers your budget and
time limitations, set your priorities, and then slowly develop your
project. You will have much greater success this way than if you
try to do everything at once without planning it out
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