Gardening isn't just about creating a beautiful outdoor space; it's an opportunity to connect with nature and make a positive impact on the environment. If you're a beginner looking to start a garden that’s not only beautiful but also supports your local birds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators, then wildlife gardening with native plants is the perfect choice.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the exciting world of wildlife gardening and how native plants can help you get started on this rewarding journey.
Native plants are those that naturally occur in a particular region, having evolved and adapted to the specific climate, soil conditions, and other environmental factors of that area. These plants play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by providing essential food and shelter for wildlife, supporting biodiversity, and contributing to various environmental benefits.
Wildlife gardening is a special way of gardening that aims to create a habitat that attracts and supports local wildlife. It's about cultivating a space where birds, butterflies, bees, and other creatures can find the food, water, cover, and places to raise young so their species’ can survive. By embracing wildlife gardening, you can play a crucial role in conserving native species and enhancing the ecological health of your city, town or neighborhood. It’s the perfect way to “think globally, act locally.”
There are numerous advantages to choosing native plants for your wildlife garden:
| Supporting Biodiversity: Native plants are at the base of the food web that supports a diversity of animal species. Native plants and native wildlife have co-evolved together over thousands of years, like two pieces of a puzzle. Without native plants, many wildlife species would disappear. When you plant native species, you help sustain the web of life in your area that’s disappearing because of human activities. | |
| Wildlife Habitat: Native plants offer a variety of resources for wildlife. Wildflowers provide nectar to butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Birds and mammals shelter and give birth to the next generation in the branches of trees and shrubs. Caterpillars feed on native plants, ensuring the next generation of butterflies and moths, which in turn feed the birds. | |
| Low Maintenance: Native plants are well-suited to their local environments because they evolved there, which means they generally require less care than non-native species once they get established in the garden. They're adapted to the soil, climate, and weather conditions of your region, reducing the need for water, fertilizer, and pest control. | |
| Water Conservation: As native plants have evolved to thrive in local conditions, they typically don’t require extra watering once established. This can lead to significant water savings in your garden, contributing to sustainable gardening practices. | |
| Vegetable Gardens: Many native plants are particularly attractive to pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. By planting natives, you create a welcoming environment for these essential insects, which also play a crucial role in pollinating our food garden plants from tomatoes to peppers to squash. | |
| Education and Enjoyment: Wildlife gardening provides an excellent opportunity for learning and enjoyment. Observing the various creatures that visit your garden can be a fascinating and educational experience, especially for children. It connects you to the natural world right outside your door. |
This interdependence extends beyond mere sustenance. Native plants provide habitats and nesting sites for pollinators, offering protection from predators and adverse weather conditions. In return, pollinators ensure the genetic diversity and survival of native plant species by facilitating cross-pollination and seed dispersal.
This delicate balance is under threat due to habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and the introduction of non-native plant species. Disruptions to these ecosystems can lead to declines in both pollinator and plant populations, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity, our own food security, and more.
Hummingbirds possess specialized bills and tongues adapted for extracting nectar from tubular flowers, making them particularly well-suited to plants with elongated floral structures. Favorite native plants for hummingbirds include species such as coral honeysuckle, eastern columbine, bee balm, cardinal flower, and various species of salvia and penstemon are among their favorites. Additionally, they often prefer flowers that are brightly colored, especially shades of red, orange, and pink, which are easily visible to them during their rapid flights.
However, it's not just nectar that attracts hummingbirds to native plants. They also rely on these plants for nesting materials and shelter. Native trees such as oak, maple, and willow provide sturdy branches for nesting, while shrubs like elderberry and currant offer protective cover.
One of the primary needs of butterflies is suitable host plants for their caterpillars. Different species of butterflies have specific host plant requirements, as their larvae often feed exclusively on certain plant species. For instance, the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) relies on native milkweed species (Asclepias spp.) as its sole host plant. Planting milkweed for monarchs in gardens and natural areas is critical for supporting populations, as it provides the necessary food for monarch caterpillars to develop.
In addition to host plants, butterflies also require nectar-rich flowers to fuel their adult stage. Native plants with clustered or flat-topped flower heads, such as purple coneflower and orange butterfly milkweed are highly attractive to butterflies due to their accessibility and abundance of nectar. These plants typically have brightly colored flowers that are easily visible to butterflies as they forage.
Furthermore, providing a variety of native plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season ensures a continuous nectar supply for butterflies from spring to fall. Early bloomers like eastern columbine offer essential nectar sources when resources may be scarce, while late-season bloomers like asters (Symphyotrichum spp.) and goldenrods (Solidago spp.) sustain butterflies as they prepare for winter or migration.
Often praised for its attractive blooms and the promise of attracting butterflies, Butterfly Bush is a poor choice for supporting butterflies, and has faced criticism for its invasive tendencies. Native to Asia, this plant (Buddleia davidii) can outcompete and displace local vegetation, disrupting ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. Truly native plants are best for butterflies.
For herbivorous wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and insects, native plants provide primary food sources. Many species of native grasses and native shrubs serve as forage for herbivores, supplying the necessary nutrients for growth and reproduction. Additionally, some native plants often have co-evolved defenses against herbivory, such as chemical compounds or physical structures, which can help maintain ecological balance. For example, deer resistant native plants have a taste, texture or scent deer don’t enjoy.
Native plants also offer critical habitat for a wide range of wildlife species. Trees, shrubs, and grasses provide shelter, nesting sites, and protection from predators for birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. The complex structure of native plant communities also creates microhabitats that support a diversity of organisms, from soil-dwelling microbes to arboreal mammals.
In essence, native plants form the foundation of healthy ecosystems, providing food, shelter, and habitat for a myriad of wildlife species. By incorporating native plants into landscaping, restoration projects, and conservation efforts, you can help preserve biodiversity and promote the well-being of wildlife (and people) in your community.
Turning your yard, container garden, or even schoolyard into a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat® is fun, easy, and can make a lasting difference for wildlife. Registering your new native plant garden helps grow the Certified Wildlife Habitat® community, which is currently over 300,000 habitats strong!
When you certify, your $20 application fee supports the National Wildlife Federation's programs to inspire others to make a difference and address the issues leading to declining habitat for wildlife nationwide. A portion of your fee also supports work for local wildlife in select affiliate partner states.
Wildlife gardening with native plants isn’t harder than any other type of gardening, and the ideal growing conditions are similar to other types of plants. There are some factors to consider as you begin.
Garden Size: The size of your garden or outdoor space is a significant factor in planning your wildlife garden. Smaller spaces are easier to plan, but are more limited on the features you can include. Larger spaces offer more opportunities but require more work to create. If you have a large space, consider focusing on one area and starting small if it seems overwhelming.
Plant Selection: Planning any garden involves choosing the right plants for your space, and wildlife gardening is no different. Understanding the light conditions, soil types and moisture levels is key to picking the right plants. When it comes to wildlife gardening, the most important thing is choosing native plants, and then picking species that will thrive in your specific garden conditions.
Design and Planning: Any garden space can benefit from some though put into planning an overall design and goals. Many wildlife habitat gardens have a natural, wild design, but they can’t be more tidy and organized if that’s your preference, as long as there are plenty of native plants. Think about other features you’d like to include, such as a birdbath, garden decor or a place to sit in the garden and enjoy it.
Maintenance: Wildlife gardens, like any garden, do require some maintenance. However, in native plant gardens, the bulk of the effort is in the beginning and is mostly focused on weeding and watering. Once your native plants are established and growing, the need for weeding and watering is significantly reduced.
Learning Curve: If you're new to wildlife gardening, there might be a learning curve as you become familiar with the needs of local wildlife and how different native plants can support them. However, there are plenty of resources available to help you learn and adapt.
Patience: Creating a thriving wildlife garden may take time. It can take a few seasons for your garden to become established and attract a diverse range of wildlife. Patience is a key attribute for wildlife gardeners.
Wildlife Observations: Part of the joy of wildlife gardening is observing the various creatures that visit your garden. There’s one guarantee when you garden with native plants: if you plant them, the wildlife will come!
As you gain experience and knowledge, the maintenance and management of your wildlife garden become more intuitive and enjoyable. Don't be discouraged by the potential challenges; instead, view them as opportunities to grow and learn alongside your garden on your journey toward creating a thriving wildlife-friendly space.
Here are some additional tips for creating a wildlife-friendly garden with native plants:
Native plants have evolved alongside local wildlife, and they often possess natural defenses against local pests and diseases. Introducing pesticides can disrupt the delicate ecological balance within the ecosystem. These substances can harm not only pests but also beneficial insects like pollinators and natural predators that play a crucial role in controlling pests naturally. Additionally, pesticides can contaminate the soil, water, and plants, negatively affecting the wildlife that relies on these resources. Be sure to use organic practices in your new wildlife garden.
A water feature is a vital resource for various species, making your garden a focal point for wildlife activity. From drinking to bathing to breeding, birds, mammals, amphibians and more can make use of water sources.
Insects are also drawn to water sources, contributing to the overall health of your garden's ecosystem. Providing a water feature for wildlife will create a welcoming environment for these creatures, fostering a rich and diverse habitat.
While there are many options for water features to support wildlife. A bird bath is a great start! Be sure to clean it regularly for your wildlife visitors. You may even already have everything you need for a butterfly puddling station reusing old materials.
Leaving fallen leaves in your garden benefits wildlife by providing essential habitat. Fallen leaves create shelter for insects, amphibians, and small mammals. Many species, including butterflies, moths and bumble bee queens overwinter in the fallen leaf layer. Those insects are pollinators and also a food source for other wildlife, notably backyard birds. Use fallen leaves as a natural mulch in your garden bed, where they’ll suppress weeds, retain soil moisture and enrich the soil at the root zone of your plants as they naturally compost. Leaving your leaves is a win-win for both your garden and the environment.
It’s important to relax and let some areas go wild. Letting your garden grow wild is the goal, to some extent, which offers significant benefits for wildlife and the ecosystem. Allowing natural processes to unfold without excessive human intervention can create a thriving habitat for native plants and animals. However, even wildlife gardens need cultivation to prevent takeover of invasive weeds.
If the totally wild look isn’t your aesthetic or local regulations or homeowners association rule prevent it, it’s also ok to have a more convention looking garden. If you’re using native plants, the local wildlife will still benefit. You might create a more wild look in the back of your property while keeping a tidier look in the front. The key is finding a balance that suits your goals and the needs of your local ecosystem.
It can be hard to identify the right plants. Finding the right plants for the right place can be a challenge, with a limited percentage of native plants available to consumers nationwide. While there are many local resources and websites to discover native plants for your area, it takes time to understand what works for your site and gardening goals.
Plants in the marketplace primarily support widely common species and not necessarily the highest numbers of butterflies, native bees, and birds. Studies have shown that local nurseries can even be the primary pathway to introducing invasive species.
Searching for plants by zip code with our Native Plant Finder or even native plants by state makes it easier to identify the right plants for your garden. Garden for Wildlife’s native plant store currently ships native plants to 41 states, and we’re continuing to expand.
Here are some popular native plant species with wide natural ranges that are relatively easy to grow and maintain, making them excellent choices for beginners interested in wildlife gardening:
1. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Known for its stunning purple-pink flowers, this native perennial attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies and provides seeds for birds.
2. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susans are cheerful yellow wildflowers that thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making them a versatile choice for attracting pollinators and seed-eating birds.
This plant is a magnet for butterflies, especially monarchs. It features vibrant orange flowers and serves as a host plant for monarch butterfly caterpillars.
This tall, pink-flowering perennial attracts a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees, and offers seeds for birds in the fall.
“Patience is a plant that does not grow in everyone’s garden.”
As your wildlife garden matures, you'll find yourself immersed in the beauty and wonder of the natural world, right in your own backyard. Native plant gardening is an investment, and your plants will require time to become strong. There’s also a saying about how native plants “sleep, creep and leap” over time, so don’t be disheartened if you don’t see big blooms right away.
So, roll up your sleeves, put on your gardening gloves, and embark on a journey that connects you more deeply with nature and enriches your outdoor space. Your wildlife garden will not only be a source of personal pride but also a haven for local wildlife. Happy gardening!