Attracting Wildlife

We are going to start a series of monthly green tip posts. These tips will reflect on a new way to help infuse your garden and life with green living!

Green Tip #1:

Attract Wildlife to your Garden

                                      Photo: Award winning Jacqueline Fiske Healing Garden                Photo Credit: Michiko Kurisu

Florida has a diverse wildlife population, but rapid growth throughout Florida is destroying native wildlife habitat. But, make some basic changes to your landscaping and you can create a yard that will provide habitat for a variety of birds, butterflies and beneficial insects.

• Increasing the variety of plants in your landscape design.
• Creating natural corridors with bordering properties to allow wildlife to move through the larger neighborhood.
• The easiest way to attract birds, butterflies and beneficial insects is to select and plant flowers, shrubs and trees that bear fruit, seeds or flowers that birds and other wildlife depend on for food.
• A birdbath, fountain or pond is an important source of fresh water that will attract birds. Constructed ponds provide important water resources for a variety of wildlife.
• Avoid using pesticides and other chemicals on a regular basis without reason. When necessary, choose the least toxic controls to minimize harm to birds, butterflies and beneficial insects in your landscape.

Source: www.Floridayards.org