The Homesteader School » Wildlife
The Birds and the Bees for Gardeners – Part 5
SOME BASIC PLANTS FOR WILDLIFE HABITATS In general, think color, nectar, fragrance, shelter for the wildlife in your garden. This list is just for starters—you’ll discover many more. allysum annual geranium aster bee balm berry bushes butterfly weed candytuft columbine coreopsis cosmos delphinium dianthus echinacea evergreens flowering trees fruit trees fuschia gaillardia grasses heuchera hollyhock honeysuckle iris lantana lavender lilac lobelia lupine marigold mock orange nasturtium oregano Oregon grape penstemon petunia phlox rosemary rudbeckia sage scabiosa sweet pea shasta daisy snapdragon yarrow zinnia Enjoy your wildlife! We’d love to hear about your garden visitors. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Learning to Garden, Uncategorized, Wildlife
The Birds and the Bees for Gardeners – Part 4
GENERAL HABITAT NEEDS FOR COMMON GARDEN WILDLIFE All species need the four basics: food, water, shelter, and space. Here are more details on the main jobs, habits, and favorite foods of some potential visitors: Amphibians and Reptiles (herps)—insect control Hibernate during winter Eat insects, worms, bugs Thrive in fish-free water, riparian debris, natural areas away from yards Most need shade, sun, water for immersion Can rehome from nearby but may return to home Do not introduce bullfrogs Bats—insect/mosquito control Migrate or hibernate during winter Eat … Read entire article »
Filed under: Learning to Garden, Wildlife
The Birds and the Bees for Gardeners – Part 3
Shelter supplies protection from the elements and from predators. It is also important for seclusion and camouflage while many animals are nesting and raising young. Manmade wildlife houses, strategically-placed stones, and other creative elements may be provided in addition to natural cover from plant branches and leaves. Animals seek shelter in all levels of the garden, from under the soil surface on up to the highest tree canopy. Insects and worms like groundcovers and coarse mulch. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Learning to Garden, Wildlife
The Birds and the Bees for Gardeners – Part 2
How can we attract beneficial wildlife and entice them to stay? There are a few different ways to bring wildlife to our gardens. Some animals, such as ladybugs, orchard bees, and worms, can be purchased and released into the garden. Frogs, lizards, and butterflies might be carefully brought in from other areas of your yard. Just be sure that the animals are appropriate for your microclimate and surroundings and that you have appropriate habitat … Read entire article »
Filed under: Learning to Garden, Wildlife
The Birds and the Bees for Gardeners – Part 1
“Now when a mama bird and a daddy bird love each other very much…” Just kidding! We’re not going to talk about reproduction, but about attracting some valuable visitors and residents to our gardens—some fauna to add to our flora. Plants can be beautiful, with their foliage, blossoms, and seed pods of various colors, shapes, and textures. They add dimension and diversity to our garden beds and surroundings. But though they may wave in the breeze … Read entire article »
Filed under: Learning to Garden, Uncategorized, Wildlife
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We may not be able to be with you in person, but you can still attend our school! Here you’ll find out how to do lots of things around your home and property. Our posts are written by people who are right here beside you, learning to homestead and loving it!
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