One day an experience gardener visited me. Apparently, he was very impressed with my garden. Consequently, he decided to teach me all about wildlife gardening. As he was very much like Auntie Sue in our children’s book, I was excited. In fact, there are many species which are declining in our world, as a result he said it is important to do all we can to protect them. Therefore, in today’s post, I share some of his hints and tips on how to encourage wildlife in the garden:
1.Recognise the Importance of Wildlife Gardening
The gardener showed me the friendly wild life that already visit and even stay. Two grey squirrels ran up and down the fence and hopped away into the nearby tree. They enjoyed the garden. Furthermore, many worms popped their heads out from the soil. A robin redbreast visits regularly and is inquisitive. A cuddly black cat frequently visits. In addition, the odd garden mouse has been seen running across the garden. Therefore, it is a good idea to walk around your garden. On the other hand, you can observe through the windows to see what is happening. Most importantly, some wildlife will be easily scared if they see you in the garden, and so you must be gentle.
2.Protect the Wildlife
To encourage the right wildlife to the garden, several safety actions are vital. For instance, all garden tools need to be stored away. All sharp objects and litter need to be disposed off in the correct containers. Keep any tree in the garden well maintained. There is a suggestion that there be small gaps in the fence to allow for hedgehogs…
3.Guard against Rodents
Whilst trying to encourage the right wildlife, it is important to ensure the garden is kept clean and tidy so that it does not attract rodents such as rats. If you are composting ( which is great to do), avoid cooked food which can attract rodents. There is a view that raw food is much better! Rodents can be harmful to humans and property. It is possible to apply natural products to discourage them from visiting your garden without harming other creatures.
4.Build Your Skills in Wildlife Gardening
This can be achieved by growing your grass (enourages worms and slugs). In addition, grow climbers as these are well liked by wildlife, (the squirrels love mine!). A safe pond is a great idea to attract wild life. A compost heap attracts slugs, worms, you may even meet the occasional frog!
5.Encourage Random Flowers
The friendly gardener showed me the many flowers which had sprung up from nowhere. We hadn’t planted them. Somehow they had come across into my garden from somewhere or other. They were more than welcome. To encourage these flowers, do not over weed or prune. You will not regret it in the spring and summer when the colours shine through.
6. Befriend other Wildlife Gardening Experts
The experienced gardener was so excited about the life in the garden and the potential it has to be fabulous, that his excitement was contagious. I too became excited and wanted to have a pretty colourful garden all the time. This blog is about how to have a pretty and fun garden like Auntie Sue and Rebecca in Rebecca and the Strangest Garden.To do this, we need gardening lessons and advice. Join us again to see how you can grow as a gardener and become a Wildlife Gardening expert!
See you back here soon!!
