Whether you have a sprawling backyard habitat or a tiny balcony container garden, you hold the power to create a critical haven for wildlife.
National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife™ program and partnerships have engaged millions to help wildlife where people live since 1973. Americans of all backgrounds, have already provided wildlife with food, water, cover, and places to raise young by creating over 300,000 Certified Wildlife Habitats®.
Every Garden Counts: Unleash Your Inner Wildlife Hero This May
It's easy to celebrate Garden for Wildlife Month at home. May is the perfect time to start planting or make your space more garden wildlife-friendly. By incorporating native plants and using sustainable gardening practices, both you and your local wildlife will be able to enjoy your outdoor space in harmony year after year. Read on for a few of our favorite wildlife gardening tips!
Native Plants: The Foundation of a Wildlife Paradise
Native plants are essential for sustainable gardening due to their adaptability to local conditions. They require less water, and maintenance compared to non-native species, reducing environmental impact. Additionally, native plants provide crucial habitat and food sources for local wildlife, promoting biodiversity in the garden ecosystem. By incorporating native plants into your garden, you can create a resilient and thriving landscape while supporting the health of your local environment.
Keystone plants are like superstars of the garden world. They provide a massive food source for insects, especially caterpillars, which are crucial for baby birds. Without these keystone plants, insect populations and the birds that rely on them would plummet. Planting just a few keystones creates a ripple effect, boosting biodiversity and supporting a healthy ecosystem right in your backyard.
Ditch the Chemicals
Healthy ecosystems thrive on natural solutions. When you choose native plants, the need for harsh chemical pesticides and fertilizers diminishes significantly. These chemicals not only harm wildlife but also disrupt the delicate balance of the soil ecosystem.
Instead, embrace organic practices like composting. Kitchen scraps and yard waste transform into nutrient-rich gold for your garden. Composting not only reduces waste going to landfills but also creates a natural fertilizer teeming with beneficial microorganisms. This "black gold" nourishes your soil, promotes healthy plant growth, and attracts a wealth of beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, nature's own pest control team.
Water Wisely
Our wildlife friends rely on water for survival, but responsible conservation is key. Opt for drought-tolerant native plants to minimize watering needs. These plants have adapted to thrive with less water, making them ideal for water-conscious gardeners.
Deep watering, where you soak the root zone instead of frequent shallow watering, is another crucial practice. This encourages deep root growth, allowing plants to access water stored deeper in the soil during dry periods. Mulching around your plants with organic materials like compost or shredded leaves further conserves water by retaining moisture in the soil and reducing evaporation.
Wildlife-Friendly Water Features
Create a dedicated water source for wildlife! A simple birdbath or a shallow dish filled with clean water can be a lifesaver for thirsty creatures, especially during hot summer months. Keep the water fresh and consider adding a few rocks or sticks for smaller animals to perch on safely. This small act of kindness can provide essential hydration for butterflies, bees, birds, and other wildlife visitors.
Inspire Others to Join the Movement
The power of collective action is undeniable. Share your passion for wildlife gardening with your neighbors! You can join our Wildlife Gardeners of North America Facebook group, organize a native plant fundraiser, create a community garden in your local park, or simply talk to those around you about the importance of native plants. Every effort, big or small, adds up to a healthier environment for wildlife.
Save 20% on Certified Wildlife Habitat®
Turn your yard, patio, work landscape, or community greenspace into a Certified Wildlife Habitat® and become a champion for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. During Garden for Wildlife Month you can even get 20% off your certification using the GARDEN20 discount code!
Join the National Garden for Wildlife Month movement and be the change you want to see in the world! Remember, even the smallest garden can provide a vital habitat for wildlife. Let's work together to create a more vibrant world, one garden at a time. By following these simple yet impactful steps, you can transform your garden into a haven for wildlife and become a true wildlife hero in the process.