How To Create The Perfect Wildlife Garden

In today's world, it's becoming increasingly evident that our carbon footprint significantly affects our planet. While some individuals may deny this impact, the majority of us recognize the urgent need to reverse the damage we've caused, especially by encroaching on vital ecosystems such as forests and wetlands. As a result, more and more people, including millennials, are embracing a conscious lifestyle and making sustainable choices. Thankfully, there are numerous ways we can reduce our environmental impact, and one effective approach is by creating a wildlife garden at home. By crafting a garden that supports local wildlife, we can play our part in countering the decline of species caused by climate change and the destruction of natural habitats.  Here's how.​

How To Create The Perfect Wildlife Garden At Home

Plant A Tree Or Two

Did you know that 27,000 trees are used each day simply to supply the daily human consumption of toilet paper?  Deforestation is a huge concern for the entire planet, but you can take action by planting trees on your own property which, in addition to looking quite lovely, will provide a home for all sorts of wildlife, including a variety of birds, squirrels and beneficial insects.  Call a professional and speak with them about what sorts of trees would be best for your home, and that your garden can benefit from.
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Install Bird Feeders

If it's not possible to plant trees on your property, or your existing trees are too large and inaccessible, you can still use birdhouses to help attract--you guessed it--birds.  It's not that difficult to DIY a squirrel-proof bird feeding station, and it's a cool activity to do with the kids.  Along with teaching them a little ornithology, they'll also learn a bit about woodworking, too.
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6 Hook Bird Feeding Station With 4 Feeders, amazon.com

Set of 3 Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeders With eBook / Audiobook, amazon.com

Ditch The Lawnmower...Kinda

While you don't have to stop mowing every inch of your lawn for the sake of attracting wildlife to your garden, consider dedicating a solid 12 x 12 patch in a corner of your yard.  Let the grass grow freely, and sprinkle wildflower seeds among it to encourage butterflies and bees.  Adding a colorful grass, like Pink Muhly (below), will ensure the spot is just as attractive to the human eye as it is to critters like bunnies and chipmunks.
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Carissa Macrocarpa (Natal Plum), amazon.com

Mulberry Bush (blackberries), 1-Pack), homedepot.com

Use Plants & Shrubs That Intentionally Attract Wildlife

It's no surprise that wildlife is attracted to food, so you'll want to have plants that drop berries, nuts and seeds on your property.  Chipmunks, squirrels and deer love berries, so consider planting blackberry bushes.   Bunnies love clover, which would make a great addition to your unmowed garden patch.  Foxes love fruit, so a shrub like the Natal Plum would be perfect for them.  Just remember:  before you do any planting, be sure you're purchasing the right plants for your zone.  You can find your zone at the USDA Hardiness Zone Finder.

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You May Also Like:

• How To Attract Local Wildlife Into Your Garden
• ​Getting The Whole Family Involved In Wildlife Conservation

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270 Gallon Pond Kit with Lighting, amazon.com

Build A Pond

Installing a pond or other water feature is a great way to attract amphibians and reptiles to your yard, especially if you live near an existing population.

Creating a pond isn't as difficult as you might think, and there are some great DIY tutorials on YouTube.  Not only will you encourage wildlife to your home with the addition of a pond, you'll be creating something aesthetically pleasing for yourself as well.

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Creating a wildlife garden at home is not only a rewarding and fulfilling endeavor but also an impactful way to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. By consciously designing our gardens to provide habitats and resources for local wildlife, we can make a positive difference in countering the threats faced by various species in the face of climate change and habitat destruction. From choosing native plants to incorporating water sources and shelter, every small action we take in our own backyard can have a significant ripple effect on the overall ecosystem. 

​When you’re designing a garden, don’t just focus on what makes a good environment for you; consider what makes a good environment for your local wildlife as well.  Check out this infographic that shows how you how to attract different kinds of wildlife to your garden: