Wildlife gardening to attract native wildlife

by Tammy Sons – January 31, 2016

Wildlife gardening creates environments that support and attract native wildlife species

By thoughtfully designing your garden to provide food, shelter, water, and nesting opportunities, you can play a significant role in helping promote the health of local ecosystems. In this guide, we delve into the essence of wildlife gardening, its benefits, fundamental principles, and how you can start on this journey to create a safe place for wildlife in your backyard.

The Essence of Wildlife Gardening

Wildlife gardening is an intentional and purposeful practice of creating outdoor spaces that mimic natural habitats, fostering coexistence between humans and wildlife. It involves planting native plants, providing water sources, building shelter, and minimizing chemical use to encourage various birds, insects, pollinators, and other animals to thrive in your garden. Wildlife gardening goes beyond simple beauty; it's about fostering a connection with nature and becoming a steward of your local environment.

Benefits of Wildlife Gardening

The rewards of wildlife gardening extend far beyond the aesthetic appeal of a vibrant and dynamic garden:

Biodiversity Conservation: Wildlife gardening supports native species and helps maintain a healthy ecosystem balance. Creating suitable habitats contributes to the survival of essential pollinators and other wildlife.

Pest Control: Many wildlife species, such as birds and insects, are natural predators of pests that can harm your plants. Encouraging these natural pest control agents reduces the need for chemical intervention.

Ecosystem Services: A thriving garden contributes to ecosystem services like pollination, seed dispersal, and soil health, benefiting your garden and the larger environment.

Education and Awareness: Wildlife gardening offers opportunities to learn about local flora and fauna and fosters an understanding of the intricate relationships within ecosystems.

Connection with Nature: Spending time in a wildlife-friendly garden provides a chance to observe and appreciate the beauty of the natural world up close.

Principles of Wildlife Gardening

Wildlife gardening is founded on fundamental principles that guide your design and care practices:

Native Plants: Incorporate native plants that are well-adapted to your region's climate, soil, and wildlife needs. Native plants provide essential food sources and habitats for local wildlife.

Plant Diversity: Choose a variety of plant species that bloom and fruit at different times of the year. This provides a consistent food source throughout the seasons.

Water Sources: Include water features like bird baths, ponds, or small gardens. Fresh water is essential for drinking, bathing, and attracting wildlife.

Shelter and Cover: Create sheltered spaces with dense vegetation, rock piles, and shrubs to protect from predators and weather conditions.

Nesting Opportunities: Install birdhouses, nesting boxes, and areas of tall grasses where birds and other animals can build nests.

Avoid Chemicals: Minimize using pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. These chemicals can harm both wildlife and the overall health of your garden.

Sustainable Practices: Practice sustainable gardening methods, such as composting, mulching, and proper watering techniques.

Starting Your Wildlife Garden

Embarking on a wildlife gardening journey requires careful planning and execution:

Research: Learn about the native plants, birds, insects, and other wildlife in your area. Understanding their needs will guide your plant choices and habitat creation.

Garden Design: Plan the layout of your garden, considering the placement of water features, sheltered areas, and native plants.

Plant Selection: Choose a mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers. Research which plants attract specific wildlife species and provide the required food and shelter.

Maintenance: Regularly care for your garden by weeding, pruning, and providing appropriate water. Let some areas of your garden remain wild to create natural habitats.

Observation: Spend time observing the wildlife that visits your garden. Document their behaviors and interactions to learn more about their preferences.

Conclusion

Wildlife gardening offers a profound way to engage with nature and contribute to conservation efforts.

By creating a haven for local wildlife, you become a steward of your environment, supporting essential species and promoting the health of ecosystems.

As you nurture your garden, you'll witness the magic of observing birds, butterflies, bees, and other creatures as they thrive in the habitat you've carefully crafted. Through wildlife gardening, you're not just cultivating a garden; you're acquiring a deeper connection with the natural world and positively impacting the planet.

Products from the article

Black Raspberry - TN Nursery

Black Raspberry

The Black Raspberry plant has dark berries and distinctive foliage that provide a visually striking contrast to other plants, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the landscape. Black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis) offer a variety of benefits when integrated into landscaping projects. These versatile plants blend aesthetic appeal, ecological contributions, and practical uses in outdoor spaces.  Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) Is a Favorite Berry Plant Black Raspberries (Rubus occidentalis), more famously called the “king of berries,” are sweet and highly nutritious berries native to North America. Famous for their intense sweet, tart taste, high nutritional value, and dark hue, these berries are a separate kind in the group of raspberries. Interestingly, black raspberry plants contain higher antioxidants, including anthocyanins and other elements that make them suitable for health. Apart from their use in food preparation, black raspberry plants are valued by gardeners because they are easily manageable and ornamental, and they are ideal for planting in both domestic and commercial landscapes. Features of Black Raspberry Compared to other berries, black raspberries possess a slightly sour taste. Their firm but fleshy appearance makes them suitable for fresh consumption and preparing jams, jellies, desserts, and smoothies. Black raspberries contain high antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals such as manganese. Black raspberry plants are attractive, with green leaves that turn red in the fall. For this reason, they are perfect for growing in any garden or landscape setting. Black Raspberries Growth These plants grow to 3 to 5 feet and are not very difficult to tame. They prefer well-drained soil and moderate watering, making them suitable for planting in different regions. These plants are also prolific, yielding berries from mid-summer to early fall. This makes them a worthwhile pursuit for home gardening enthusiasts and commercial growers. Black raspberry plants for sale at TN Nursery are available for those who wish to grow these nutritious berries in their gardens. Buy black raspberry plants now and experience the many benefits they offer regarding gardening and consumption. Enjoy Harvesting Berries With Your Own Black Raspberry Shrub For a better experience, you can pair these plants with our top 3 other best sellers, including Dewberry plants, Elderberry Bush, and Mulberry Trees, to turn your garden into a mini farmer’s market. Is a black raspberry a perennial or annual? Black raspberries are perennial and thus grow back every year from their roots. While their canes only have a life span of two years, the roots still grow and sprout new canes each year.  Where do black raspberries grow best?  Black raspberry plants need well-draining soil exposed to direct sunlight. They love slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 - 6.5 and a hardiness zone of 4-8.  How long do black raspberries fruit?  In the first year, plants are wilted, and in the second year, plants are probably going to produce black raspberries. Fruiting time is about 2-4 weeks, and flowering is late spring-early summer, partially dependent on climate.  What is the best fertilizer for black raspberries?  Black raspberries are like a fertilizer that is balanced, with a 10-10-10 NPK. Use it during the first half of the early spring when the plants start to come out of their sleep. Don't use too much of it (it is on the packet).  How do black raspberries propagate?  Black raspberries reproduce through tip layering. Some of their tips turn into canes on the ground and grow into new plants. You can also propagate them by yourself with the use of cane tips that should be planted in the soil during the summer or early fall.
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$26.99
Mulberry Tree

Mulberry Tree

The Mulberry Tree has lobed leaves, often found in various species such as white, red, or black mulberries. It produces sweet, berry-like fruits that vary in color, providing shade and a tasty harvest for many. The tree is a timeless and multifaceted addition to landscaping, bringing many benefits beyond its ornamental appeal. Its majestic stature and distinctive foliage make it an excellent choice for enhancing outdoor spaces, offering aesthetic and functional advantages. In terms of aesthetics, it boasts a unique and elegant appearance that can complement various landscaping styles. Its broad canopy and lush green leaves provide ample shade and create a tranquil ambiance, making it an inviting spot for relaxation, gatherings, and outdoor activities. The Benefits Of Planting Mulberry Tree (Morus) Functionally, it offers numerous benefits. Its dense canopy provides adequate shade, helping to mitigate the harsh effects of sunlight and reducing temperatures in its vicinity. This feature creates a more comfortable outdoor environment and contributes to energy savings by lowering cooling demands for nearby buildings during hot seasons. Moreover, the Tree's roots help prevent soil erosion, stabilize the soil structure, and improve water retention, which is advantageous for controlling runoff and maintaining healthy soil conditions in landscaped areas. The tree also supports local wildlife by providing a valuable food source. Birds, such as robins and cedar waxwings, are particularly drawn to its fruit, enhancing biodiversity and creating a harmonious ecosystem within the landscape. Additionally, the Tree's leaves serve as food for certain caterpillars and insects, further contributing to the diversity of local fauna. In conclusion, its role in landscaping transcends mere aesthetics. Its stature, shade provision, and positive environmental impact make it a valuable asset to any outdoor space. Combining its ornamental appeal with its practical benefits, this Tree is a testament to nature's ability to enhance our surroundings' beauty and functionality. Improve Your Landscape With Mulberry Tree The presence of Mulberry Trees in your environment improves the look and feel of the area. A tree even gives you a lovely shade since it grows tall and has large spreading canopies. The tree grows to provide an excellent relaxing spot for the summer. The tree sheds off its leaves in colder seasons, allowing you to experience the little sun available. You will love the berries these trees produce as they are sweet and can be eaten straight out of being picked. The berries even improve the appearance of the tree. When ripe, mulberries are dark and juicy and give out a great flavor. Throughout the summer, you can enjoy these fruits and even use them to make jams and desserts. Unlike other trees, the mulberry grows fast and can produce fruits after only two years. The Fruit Of The Mulberry Tree Typically, different trees produce fruit after ten years or so. After its second year, your tree will keep increasing its fruit production and reach its maximum sometime in its tenth year. The trees are pretty hardy and can grow in poor conditions. The tree can tolerate many types of soils, environments, and weather conditions. Interestingly, deserts and the hot tropics are the only known challenging climates for the tree. They are usually capable of surviving arid seasons and can even tolerate the coldest of temperatures. Mulberry Trees Increase Soil Health Mulberry trees attract lots of animals and insects, and these can help beautify your property to a significant extent. Beautiful birds and insects perch on the tree to get to the berries. This is the reason why nature lovers appreciate this tree. If you own a farm or other plants, the tree can also distract animals from eating your food. The berry production of the trees is enough to feed the birds, insects, animals, and even you. What is particularly famous about the mulberry tree? It is a well-known producer of sweet, nutritious berries and is also linked to the raising of silkworms. It provides food to the silkworm and hence is an important tree in the textile trade, being that the leaves of this tree are consumed by the silkworms, particularly the white mulberry tree.  What are the best conditions for mulberries to grow?  The best mulberry soils are loamy and rich, and they prefer lots of sunshine (although the trees like a little shade too). It's classified as relatively drought-tolerant, with the exception of being planted somewhere that is at least a little out of the way of high winds.  When should one water mulberries?  Water the mulberry trees only once per week for the rest of the year, especially when newly planted or during drought. Fully grown trees are more resistant to lack of water but still depend on irrigation to boost the production of fruits.  How do you make mulberries last longer?  To prolong the shelf life of mulberries you should store them dry and without washing in a sealed and cold pack. When storing the berries for a long period, spread them in a tray, then put them inside a freezer bag before freezing.
$26.99
$26.99
Elderberry Bush - TN Nursery

Elderberry

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a slow-growing shrub that is beautiful, useful, and easy to maintain. Famous for its fragrant white flowers and healthy dark purple berries, it is an excellent plant for making natural hedges, luring wildlife or creating homemade syrups and jams. Elderberry Shrubs are Low Maintenance Elderberry shrubs are incredibly easy to plant and grow, perfect for anyone. These tough plants like to grow in well-drained, fertile soils in the sun and the shade. Put the shrub in a hole twice as large as the root ball, plant it in, and carefully fill it with soil and water. Elderberries are easy to care for and require very little upkeep once established. They need consistent watering in the dry months and minimal annual trimming to keep their shape and support fruit development. Seasonal Blooms and Color Changes of Sambucus Canadensis Elderberry shrubs flower late in the spring or early summer, producing large sprays of white, sweet-smelling flowers. These flowers not only make the garden pretty, but they also attract pollinators. Small dark purple berries appear in late summer after the flowers die. The evergreen leaves are fully intact throughout the growing season and are visually appealing. Shape and Longevity of The Elderberry Shrub Elderberry shrubs are upright, spreading shrubs reaching 6 to 12 feet tall. Their bushy leaves make them ideal for privacy screens or wildlife gardens. Elderberry shrubs will live for decades and remain stunning and productive if properly cared for. TN Nursery Elderberry Life Cycle Elderberry shrubs from TN Nursery are grown professionally and shipped as healthy, seed-ready plants. They are hardy, erect plants that grow quickly and produce fragrant flowers, juicy berries, and long-lasting foliage year after year. Put Elderberry shrubs into your landscape for both practicality and style!

$26.99
$26.99
Black Raspberry - TN Nursery

Black Raspberry

The Black Raspberry plant has dark berries and distinctive foliage that provide a visually striking contrast to other plants, enhancing the overall aesthetics of the landscape. Black raspberries (Rubus occidentalis) offer a variety of benefits when integrated into landscaping projects. These versatile plants blend aesthetic appeal, ecological contributions, and practical uses in outdoor spaces.  Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) Is a Favorite Berry Plant Black Raspberries (Rubus occidentalis), more famously called the “king of berries,” are sweet and highly nutritious berries native to North America. Famous for their intense sweet, tart taste, high nutritional value, and dark hue, these berries are a separate kind in the group of raspberries. Interestingly, black raspberry plants contain higher antioxidants, including anthocyanins and other elements that make them suitable for health. Apart from their use in food preparation, black raspberry plants are valued by gardeners because they are easily manageable and ornamental, and they are ideal for planting in both domestic and commercial landscapes. Features of Black Raspberry Compared to other berries, black raspberries possess a slightly sour taste. Their firm but fleshy appearance makes them suitable for fresh consumption and preparing jams, jellies, desserts, and smoothies. Black raspberries contain high antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals such as manganese. Black raspberry plants are attractive, with green leaves that turn red in the fall. For this reason, they are perfect for growing in any garden or landscape setting. Black Raspberries Growth These plants grow to 3 to 5 feet and are not very difficult to tame. They prefer well-drained soil and moderate watering, making them suitable for planting in different regions. These plants are also prolific, yielding berries from mid-summer to early fall. This makes them a worthwhile pursuit for home gardening enthusiasts and commercial growers. Black raspberry plants for sale at TN Nursery are available for those who wish to grow these nutritious berries in their gardens. Buy black raspberry plants now and experience the many benefits they offer regarding gardening and consumption. Enjoy Harvesting Berries With Your Own Black Raspberry Shrub For a better experience, you can pair these plants with our top 3 other best sellers, including Dewberry plants, Elderberry Bush, and Mulberry Trees, to turn your garden into a mini farmer’s market. Is a black raspberry a perennial or annual? Black raspberries are perennial and thus grow back every year from their roots. While their canes only have a life span of two years, the roots still grow and sprout new canes each year.  Where do black raspberries grow best?  Black raspberry plants need well-draining soil exposed to direct sunlight. They love slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 - 6.5 and a hardiness zone of 4-8.  How long do black raspberries fruit?  In the first year, plants are wilted, and in the second year, plants are probably going to produce black raspberries. Fruiting time is about 2-4 weeks, and flowering is late spring-early summer, partially dependent on climate.  What is the best fertilizer for black raspberries?  Black raspberries are like a fertilizer that is balanced, with a 10-10-10 NPK. Use it during the first half of the early spring when the plants start to come out of their sleep. Don't use too much of it (it is on the packet).  How do black raspberries propagate?  Black raspberries reproduce through tip layering. Some of their tips turn into canes on the ground and grow into new plants. You can also propagate them by yourself with the use of cane tips that should be planted in the soil during the summer or early fall.
$26.99
$26.99
Mulberry Tree

Mulberry Tree

The Mulberry Tree has lobed leaves, often found in various species such as white, red, or black mulberries. It produces sweet, berry-like fruits that vary in color, providing shade and a tasty harvest for many. The tree is a timeless and multifaceted addition to landscaping, bringing many benefits beyond its ornamental appeal. Its majestic stature and distinctive foliage make it an excellent choice for enhancing outdoor spaces, offering aesthetic and functional advantages. In terms of aesthetics, it boasts a unique and elegant appearance that can complement various landscaping styles. Its broad canopy and lush green leaves provide ample shade and create a tranquil ambiance, making it an inviting spot for relaxation, gatherings, and outdoor activities. The Benefits Of Planting Mulberry Tree (Morus) Functionally, it offers numerous benefits. Its dense canopy provides adequate shade, helping to mitigate the harsh effects of sunlight and reducing temperatures in its vicinity. This feature creates a more comfortable outdoor environment and contributes to energy savings by lowering cooling demands for nearby buildings during hot seasons. Moreover, the Tree's roots help prevent soil erosion, stabilize the soil structure, and improve water retention, which is advantageous for controlling runoff and maintaining healthy soil conditions in landscaped areas. The tree also supports local wildlife by providing a valuable food source. Birds, such as robins and cedar waxwings, are particularly drawn to its fruit, enhancing biodiversity and creating a harmonious ecosystem within the landscape. Additionally, the Tree's leaves serve as food for certain caterpillars and insects, further contributing to the diversity of local fauna. In conclusion, its role in landscaping transcends mere aesthetics. Its stature, shade provision, and positive environmental impact make it a valuable asset to any outdoor space. Combining its ornamental appeal with its practical benefits, this Tree is a testament to nature's ability to enhance our surroundings' beauty and functionality. Improve Your Landscape With Mulberry Tree The presence of Mulberry Trees in your environment improves the look and feel of the area. A tree even gives you a lovely shade since it grows tall and has large spreading canopies. The tree grows to provide an excellent relaxing spot for the summer. The tree sheds off its leaves in colder seasons, allowing you to experience the little sun available. You will love the berries these trees produce as they are sweet and can be eaten straight out of being picked. The berries even improve the appearance of the tree. When ripe, mulberries are dark and juicy and give out a great flavor. Throughout the summer, you can enjoy these fruits and even use them to make jams and desserts. Unlike other trees, the mulberry grows fast and can produce fruits after only two years. The Fruit Of The Mulberry Tree Typically, different trees produce fruit after ten years or so. After its second year, your tree will keep increasing its fruit production and reach its maximum sometime in its tenth year. The trees are pretty hardy and can grow in poor conditions. The tree can tolerate many types of soils, environments, and weather conditions. Interestingly, deserts and the hot tropics are the only known challenging climates for the tree. They are usually capable of surviving arid seasons and can even tolerate the coldest of temperatures. Mulberry Trees Increase Soil Health Mulberry trees attract lots of animals and insects, and these can help beautify your property to a significant extent. Beautiful birds and insects perch on the tree to get to the berries. This is the reason why nature lovers appreciate this tree. If you own a farm or other plants, the tree can also distract animals from eating your food. The berry production of the trees is enough to feed the birds, insects, animals, and even you. What is particularly famous about the mulberry tree? It is a well-known producer of sweet, nutritious berries and is also linked to the raising of silkworms. It provides food to the silkworm and hence is an important tree in the textile trade, being that the leaves of this tree are consumed by the silkworms, particularly the white mulberry tree.  What are the best conditions for mulberries to grow?  The best mulberry soils are loamy and rich, and they prefer lots of sunshine (although the trees like a little shade too). It's classified as relatively drought-tolerant, with the exception of being planted somewhere that is at least a little out of the way of high winds.  When should one water mulberries?  Water the mulberry trees only once per week for the rest of the year, especially when newly planted or during drought. Fully grown trees are more resistant to lack of water but still depend on irrigation to boost the production of fruits.  How do you make mulberries last longer?  To prolong the shelf life of mulberries you should store them dry and without washing in a sealed and cold pack. When storing the berries for a long period, spread them in a tray, then put them inside a freezer bag before freezing.
$26.99
$26.99
Elderberry Bush - TN Nursery

Elderberry

Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) is a slow-growing shrub that is beautiful, useful, and easy to maintain. Famous for its fragrant white flowers and healthy dark purple berries, it is an excellent plant for making natural hedges, luring wildlife or creating homemade syrups and jams. Elderberry Shrubs are Low Maintenance Elderberry shrubs are incredibly easy to plant and grow, perfect for anyone. These tough plants like to grow in well-drained, fertile soils in the sun and the shade. Put the shrub in a hole twice as large as the root ball, plant it in, and carefully fill it with soil and water. Elderberries are easy to care for and require very little upkeep once established. They need consistent watering in the dry months and minimal annual trimming to keep their shape and support fruit development. Seasonal Blooms and Color Changes of Sambucus Canadensis Elderberry shrubs flower late in the spring or early summer, producing large sprays of white, sweet-smelling flowers. These flowers not only make the garden pretty, but they also attract pollinators. Small dark purple berries appear in late summer after the flowers die. The evergreen leaves are fully intact throughout the growing season and are visually appealing. Shape and Longevity of The Elderberry Shrub Elderberry shrubs are upright, spreading shrubs reaching 6 to 12 feet tall. Their bushy leaves make them ideal for privacy screens or wildlife gardens. Elderberry shrubs will live for decades and remain stunning and productive if properly cared for. TN Nursery Elderberry Life Cycle Elderberry shrubs from TN Nursery are grown professionally and shipped as healthy, seed-ready plants. They are hardy, erect plants that grow quickly and produce fragrant flowers, juicy berries, and long-lasting foliage year after year. Put Elderberry shrubs into your landscape for both practicality and style!

$26.99
$26.99

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