Wildlife in Your Garden

A healthy backyard is one that teams with life. It might include dragonflies, bumblebees, toads, birds, and millions of tiny organisms. It’s a warm and welcoming place that can also be an integral part of the ecosystems of the Willamette Valley. Birds and wildlife require the same basics as people: food, water, shelter, and space.  Adding bird feeders, native plants, water features, and nest sites helps create a supportive and healthy habitat for a variety of wild neighbors.

Develop a plan

Following a few simple steps will ensure a backyard retreat, full of life and vigor. Start your own home action plan and you will see great results in a short period of time. A little research goes a long way when creating a habitat garden and healthy backyard.  If additions and transformations take place haphazardly, it may defeat the purpose by creating more work rather than less.  Begin with a plan and have patience while you watch it take shape.

Plant it and they will come

The fruits and flowers of native trees, shrubs, and grasses are eaten by native wildlife while also sheltering birds from weather and predators. Native evergreens offer winter respite.  Learn the food habits of the birds you want to attract and then plant the appropriate trees, shrubs, and flowers. Below is a list of plants with high wildlife value. They will attract hours of nature’s show, while also adding texture and color to your landscape.

Add a water feature 

Water is essential for wildlife and by providing a source for water, you will more than double the number of bird species in your yard. A frog pond, water garden, or bird bath will get lots of bird use, especially if the water is dripping, splashing, or moving. You may also attract other wildlife, such as frogs and toads if you add a water source.

Getting inspired? For more information and great gardening tips, please visit our website. Make your yard and garden a habitat for where the wild things thrive!