Florida-Friendly Landscaping principle #5 is “Attract Wildlife.” There are many ways to make small changes in your landscape so you can make the birds, bees, butterflies and many other critters feel at home. Below is a list which will bring your yard to life:
Incorporate Native Plants – Once upon a time, native plants and animals coexisted in what is now your property. Restore some of that balance by bringing in more natives. Wildlife can’t always adapt to differing food and shelter options.
Remove Invasive Exotic Plants – These aggressive plants displace native vegetation in your yard and elsewhere. The effects are far reaching, and the animals suffer when they can’t find appropriate food to eat.
Feed Your Guests – We would never invite someone over to stay awhile without feeding them! The same holds true for our critter friends. Bird feeders and seeds are okay, but your guests need a variety of food from many sources. This includes plants with berries and other fruits. It also includes bugs. Yes, I said bugs! Ninety-nine percent of insects are either beneficial or harmless. They are not considered pests. And if we want birds, lizards, frogs, etc. We really must have available food sources – including bugs!
Provide a Water Source – This could be a touchy subject, as you don’t want to attract mosquitoes. Those are NOT the types of critters we want on our property. Mosquitoes won’t lay eggs on moving water. A fountain or a pond with a pump will deter mosquitoes and attract the critters we want to see. If you have a bird bath or other unmoving water sources, refresh them weekly.
Provide a Safe Haven – One large open field of turf is what I call the “Zone of Terror” for many wild critters. Imagine a bunny scurrying across an expansive lawn, unprotected from birds of prey or other predators. Shrubs and trees of varying heights and sizes provide hiding places and some security. Ground covers provide cover for a variety of small creatures.
Provide Nesting and Resting Areas – Again, trees and shrubs of varying sizes and heights will be attractive homes to many types of wildlife. If you live in a more rural area, consider leaving brush piles where they lay. All sort of wildlife will thrive in a brush pile. Snags are dead trees left standing. If you are in a sparsely populated area, and the snag is not near a building, leave it standing. It’s a condominium for insects, squirrels, birds, and other animals.
Eliminate or Severely Reduce Pesticide Use – It only stands to reason that spreading poison around your yard will affect the wildlife that resides there. Butterflies are especially affected by even the smallest amounts of pesticides. Find out if the plants you buy have ever been treated with pesticides. If you must treat for a problem, such as fire ants, spot treat only. Treat the affected area. Do not broadcast treat your whole yard when you have a problem in one small area.
Increase Plant Diversity – A variety of plant species, such as natives or Florida-Friendly plants well suited to our area will increase the amount and variety of wildlife that comes by to visit.
Embrace Imperfection – We don’t live in a Better Homes and Garden magazine. Gardening is a continual labor of love. Once in a while, sit back and enjoy the buzz and flutter you have invited to your garden.
Be Patient – Sometimes it takes a while for word to get around the critter network that you have a five star resort just waiting for them. Birds may stop by for a variety of reasons; breeding, traveling, wintering, or nesting. Don’t be insulted if they have other places to go. If they felt safe and well fed, they will come back!
Spread The Joy – If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, encourage them to create a wildlife friendly oasis. The more connecting corridors the animals and insects have, the better off all of us are.
Learn more! – Join us on Friday, February 19th at 10:00am at the Chinsegut Conservation Center at 21232 Lake Lindsey Road, Brooksville, for “Gardening for the Birds, Bees and Butterflies.” This is a free class in a beautiful setting. No registration necessary.