How to Support Your Local Wildlife with a Small Garden
Supporting local wildlife is a worthy passion for every gardener, from those managing large scale farms to the hobbyist with a few containers on their patio. Supporting local ecosystems not only helps wildlife thrive, but also contributes to a balanced and healthy environment. Here’s how you can make a difference with even the smallest of gardens.
#1 — Choose Native Plants
One of the simplest and most effective ways to support local wildlife is by planting native species. Native plants are acclimated to your region’s weather and soil conditions, making them easier to grow and maintain. More importantly, they provide the exact food and habitat that local insects, birds, and other wildlife need to survive. By selecting plants native to your area, you’re giving wildlife a familiar and sustainable food source.
Use the National Wildlife Foundation’s Native Plants Database to find the perfect plants for your garden.
We also have a free guide that goes over how to incorporate native plants into your container garden — and how to design them!
#2 — Create a Water Source
Water is essential for all life, and providing a small water source in your garden can attract a variety of wildlife. Whether it’s a simple birdbath, a small pond, or a shallow dish, water can draw in birds, insects, and even small mammals. Ensure the water is clean and fresh, and consider adding a few stones or floating leaves to give insects a place to land.
#3 — Provide Shelter and Nesting Areas
Even a small garden can offer refuge to wildlife by providing shelter and nesting areas. Dense shrubs, trees, and even rock piles can offer hiding spots for small animals. Birdhouses and bee hotels are also fantastic additions, offering specific nesting sites for birds and beneficial insects. The key is to create a variety of microhabitats that cater to different species.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
For native bees, the best way to provide nesting areas is to allow for undisturbed areas where they can make their own nests. Some native bees nest in the ground, while others nest in cavities such as hollow stems. Raking leaves into your garden beds in the fall allows them to nest under the leaf mulch; waiting until late spring to “clean up” your garden beds, will enable them to nest in dead stems, downed logs, brush piles, and most importantly, undisturbed ground.
To attract birds, provide water with a simple birdbath; add birdhouses to your garden, and be sure there are nearby trees and shrubs where they can safely perch while they scout for bugs.
For spiders, offer native plants in your garden, as these attract other bugs, which attract spiders. Additionally, leave a few spider webs unharmed in your garden.
For toads, offer small, dark places where they can burrow, such as under logs, rocks, or bushes.
#4 — Limit Pesticide
Using pesticides might keep pests at bay, but they can also harm beneficial insects and other wildlife. Instead of relying on chemical solutions, opt for natural pest control methods. Companion planting, using native plants, and encouraging natural predators like birds and ladybugs can keep your garden healthy without harming the local ecosystem.
Want to learn more about chemical-free pest management methods? Take a look at this blog post.
#5 — Plant a Variety of Flowers
A diverse range of flowering plants can support a wide array of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Aim to plant flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year to provide a consistent food source. Planting various bloom shapes and colors also attracts a variety of pollinators.
Lastly, planting in mass, i.e., grouping plants of the same species, makes it easier for the pollinators to move from bloom to bloom efficiently. Even in a small garden, a mix of perennials, annuals, and flowering shrubs can create a vibrant, pollinator-friendly environment.
Learn more about choosing the right flowers to attract pollinators to your garden in this blog post.
Columbine is an early nectar source, especially for hummingbirds and long-tongued insects.
Aster is a native fall bloomer and is a valuable source of food for pollinators when many other flowers are done blooming and are dying down.
Echinacea blooms in the summer providing pollen; and it's seed heads are a favorite for birds in the fall.
#6 — Compost and Mulch Naturally
Supporting local wildlife also means taking care of the soil. Composting kitchen scraps and garden waste can enrich your soil, providing a healthy growing environment for your plants. Mulching with natural materials like wood chips, leaves, or grass clippings helps retain moisture, reduce weeds, and provide habitat for ground-dwelling insects.
Learn more about how to make your own compost in this in-depth blog post.
By making these simple changes, even a small garden can become a sanctuary for local wildlife. Not only will you be supporting the creatures that call your area home, but you’ll also enjoy a vibrant, lively garden filled with the sounds and sights of nature.
