Landscaping for Wildlife

Landscaping for Wildlife

An Introduction

Landscaping to attract wildlife is gardening at its very best. Choosing plants native to the geographic area where you live almost always guarantees success. Natives require less care and general maintenance, leaving more time for the garden to be enjoyed. Wildlife benefits from the food, shelter, and nesting places that result from this type of gardening.

The more thought you put into planning your garden, the better the outcome will be. Consider the size of your property and the exposure to light and direction. Size is especially important when you are planning to add large trees or shrubs. Try to picture the tree as it will look years from now and not what it will look like just after it is planted. Will it over grow the space you are allowing it? Will it shade your butterfly garden or pond? Will a northern exposure or southern exposure be best? Is the plant hardy in the zone you live in? What type of birds, butterflies, hummingbirds and other wildlife do you want to attract to your garden? Answering all of these questions will make your choice much easier. If you need to find out what zone you live in visit USDA Hardiness Zone Map for more information. Soil is important, but unless you have 100 percent clay or sand, amendments can be added.

When planning your landscape, consider the larger plants first. This will dictate the growing conditions available for smaller trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and vines. Larger plants usually comprise what is referred to as "the bird garden". Trees are the backbone of your garden. Everyone loves some shade on their property. Choose one with wildlife in mind. Oaks, Maples, Cedars, and Birches are all good choices. They not only provide the shade you crave, they provide food and nesting places for many species of birds. Spruces and Pines are good choices too, if you have plenty of room. Some varieties grow faster than others, so if you are in a hurry, keep this in mind. Think twice before you plant a Walnut. It is a very dirty tree and the Juglone produced by this tree is deadly to other plants. Juglone is a toxic chemical produced by Walnut trees. Next come what is referred to as the "under story" Shade tolerant smaller trees and shrubs make up this area. The idea is to mimic nature, after all a more perfect landscaper cannot be found than Mother Nature. A stroll through the woods will bring this concept to light. Notice what plants make up the under story. Rhododendrons and other evergreen shrubs, Dogwoods, Viburnums, Hollies, and Sumacs are just a few. Ground covers and vines make up the bottom of "the bird garden. English Ivy is very pretty but tends to takeover anything in the near vicinity. There are alternatives that provide food in addition to cover. Virginia Creeper is a good choice but must be kept in control. The main thing to remember here is to stay away from exotics that quickly takeover our native landscape. Good ground covers could include Wintergreen, Partridge Berry, and creeping juniper. A general knowledge of what grow best in your area will make choosing much easier and more logical.

Who doesn't love butterflies? Attracting them to your property is easy, if you do a little research before you layout that sweeping perennial border or hummingbird garden. Size is not a factor here, and you can attract beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds with window boxes if they are planted with the right plants. Natives again are among the best choices when it comes to flowers. If you choose plants that grow in a climate similar to yours, you will find yourself doing a lot less watering and feeding, and spending much more time admiring the fruits of your labor. Often natives are a more economical choice. Generally native plants are easier to propagate and will spread quickly, filling in vacant spots.

Hummingbirds can be attracted by planting brightly colored trumpet shaped flowers. Many native plants attract them including Columbine, Honeysuckle, and Trumpet Vine. Brightly colored sugar water feeders also attract them.

For information on what trees and shrubs to plant visit Trees and Shrubs. Some varieties for those mentioned will grow almost anywhere. The varieties chosen are known to attract the widest variety of birds.