Invite Birds & Nature in with Beautiful Flowers & Foliage
Some species of birds, bees, and butterflies are becoming less common due to environmental changes and a lack of sustenance. Gardening for nature can help your garden thrive and provide you with countless hours of enjoyment when you attract any or all of these species.
Attracting Wild Birds
Many people who garden tend to focus on lower-levels for planting and ideally have some large trees on their property. Often forgotten is the “shrub zone”, or a mid-level planting. In order to attract birds to your outdoor space, they need consistent access to food and water. In order to have a consistent food supply, you have to have a diverse and natural garden that will populate with insects and trees that grow berries and flowers that provide nectar. If there is a specific species you wish to attract, research their favorite plants and make sure to include them when gardening for nature.
Preserve Butterflies
Perhaps the most beautiful of insects, butterfly populations are declining due to pesticides and a lack of natural environment. In order to have a successful butterfly garden, you do not need a large space; you can set up a welcoming habitat in a container garden as well.
The key to a successful butterfly habitat is variety. Study your growing area and choose flowering plants that are native and brightly-colored. Plant the colors in groups rather than mix-and-match, and be sure to have several varieties that flower at the same time. Ideally, you should have flowering plants through the spring and summer for best results.
Mining Bees
Mining bees are small bees that are effective pollinators that can enhance your garden. Much like the butterfly population, bees are declining in numbers rapidly, largely due to pesticide use. Providing a variety of continually flowering plants in a pesticide-free environment will help attract these workers. Since these bees make their nests on the ground, providing some non-compacted soil they can burrow into will ensure they stay.
TMS Architects can help with gardening for nature. Visit our website or contact us today to get started on your habitat for your favorite species.
