Greener Future for Gardens
All gardeners understand the importance of working with nature to develop an organic, sustainable, wildlife friendly outdoor space that will flourish without the use of chemicals, and provides a welcome safe haven for all forms of wildlife. By following a few simple steps it is possible to achieve this ideal environment.
1. Support Life:
Gardens are very important habitats for a whole variety of wildlife, from soil-sustaining microbes and earthworms to birds, butterflies and bees, including vertebrates like frogs and lizards. Avoid using any pesticides which can kill beneficial insects as well as pests. Instead use homemade deterrents and try to be more tolerant with all garden life as this will gradually restore a naturally balanced ‘food chain’ around the garden.
2. Soil
Soil needs to be rich in natural minerals, organic matter, earthworms and microbial activity. Use homemade compost or spread a mulch of straw, vegetable peelings or fallen leaves over the soil to break down and provide essential nutrients to improve the quality of the soil and help retain moisture. If possible, use a compost bin or make a compost heap to supply a nutrient rich feed for garden soil and plants.
3. Water Conservation
Conserve precious water by using water butts to harvest the rain from down pipes. Plants actually prefer the naturally occurring elements in rainwater. Installing an irrigation system using rain water is an excellent and efficient labour-saving method of watering plants!
4. Grow a diverse garden
Grow a diverse garden that includes a variety of plant types, heights and colours to attract a wide range of wildlife, choosing indigenous plants where possible.
Lavenders, Salvias, Plumbago, and Antirrhinums will attract bees, butterflies and birds. Clivia, Vygies, Tecomarias, Leonotis, and Agapanthus are all indigenous plants attracting natural predators like ladybugs, spiders, dragonflies and praying mantises who will quickly devour pests like mealy bugs, aphids, and scale. Ornamental Grasses are ideal for birds who enjoy feasting on the seeds and use the foliage as nesting material.
5. Water sources
Some form of water source for wildlife will be much appreciated, whether it’s a birdbath, small pond or water feature.
6. Be patient
Be patient, it takes time to establish a naturally balanced environment but the rewards will be worth it!
