How to Create a Garden That’s Great for Wildlife and Socialising
If you are lucky enough to have a garden, even if it’s quite a small patch, it really does come into its own in the summer months. But as well as different sized gardens, we all have different priorities, generally dictated by the make-up of the family unit and personal taste. Most people are now aware of the importance of making gardens wildlife-friendly, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t also be a great place for socialising. And as summer is a great time to start planning your garden for next year, in this article we’ll suggest ways to help you create a garden for wildlife and for socialising.
First Steps
Before you do any else, it is important to decide what your needs are and how much space you can dedicate to each area. A garden for a family with young children is likely to look very different to that of a young couple with busy careers, although working from home options might also be relevant to how you design your garden. Instead of a morning coffee in the company’s kitchen or at your desk, what about a nice sunny spot in the garden for a cuppa?
Of course, budgets are important, so do be very clear on how much you can allocate to your project, and whether you can do everything yourself or need to hire contractors.
And make a plan. You’ll need to start by marking out any hard landscaping first and in terms of the garden, any trees and shrubs that start to build the framework of your new garden
Build an Outdoor Kitchen
Why not bring the party outside if you love to cook and entertain?
If you love cooking outdoors, you perhaps already have a BBQ or even a pizza oven. But if you have the space, an outdoor kitchen is a great way to enjoy the beauty of your garden while still being able to socialise and cook. This is also a perfect solution if you don’t have a lot of space inside your home.
When planning your outdoor kitchen, there are a few things to remember. This guide to a small outdoor kitchen notes that the first thing you’ll need to do is choose a location with easy access to your house so you can quickly bring out food and supplies. You’ll also want to ensure that the area gets plenty of sun exposure so you can enjoy cooking and dining outdoors, even in cooler weather.
Next, you’ll need to choose your kitchen appliances. A BBQ/grill is a must-have for any outdoor kitchen, but you might also want to consider adding a sink, countertop, and storage space. There are many different ways to design your outdoor kitchen. So, whether you’re planning a full-scale kitchen or want to add a few key appliances, there are plenty of options.
Now we’ve got the socialising aspect firmly in our sights, let’s consider how to make the garden wildlife friendly.
Plants for Cooking
Now if you are going to be cooking in the garden, whether just that small BBQ or your dream outdoor kitchen, what could be better than being able to pick fresh herbs to add to the grill? And guess what: bees love herbs such as wild marjoram, mint, chives, rosemary, sage and thyme!
So, when planning your cooking area, make sure you’ve got room for a planter or pots of herbs close by.
And what about planting fruit and veg? A few tomato plants, strawberries in pots, mini fruit trees and bushes will provide loads of blossom and nectar for pollinators in the spring and early summer. And naturally, picking produce straight from your garden to prepare a meal is pure joy!
Native, Wildlife-friendly Plants
One of the best things you can do to attract wildlife to your garden is to plant wildlife-friendly native plants. Native plants naturally occur in your area and are adapted to the local climate and soils. They require less water and maintenance than non-native plants, making them ideal for busy gardeners.
In addition to being low-maintenance, these plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife. Butterflies, bees, and other pollinators attract native flowers, while birds and small mammals appreciate the berries and seeds that many native plants produce.
And don’t forget trees – there are beautiful native, wildlife-friendly trees for even the smallest of gardens.
Add Some Water Features
Another great way to attract wildlife to your garden is to add a water feature. Birds, butterflies, and other animals are all drawn to water, so a birdbath, small pond, or even a simple dish of water can make your garden more inviting. Water features also add visual interest and can help mask noise from busy streets or neighbours.
If you add a pond to your garden, include a shallow area for animals to drink and bathe safely. You might also want to add some aquatic plants, like water lilies or cattails, to provide a habitat for wildlife.
Make Homes for Wildlife
In addition to providing food and water, you can attract wildlife to your garden by providing shelter. Birdhouses, nesting boxes, and butterfly houses are all great options for giving animals a place to rest and raise their young. You can buy these ready-made homes or build your own using plans available online or at your local hardware store.
When placing homes in your garden, put them in a sheltered location from the wind and sun. You’ll also want to ensure that the entrance hole is the right size for the type of animal you’re hoping to attract.
Let the Grass Grow
Have you heard about the lawn debate? It always used to be the centrepiece of the garden, but nowadays people see lawns more as a liability. The lawn can be a beautiful part of any garden, but it can be challenging to keep under control. Letting the grass grow can be a great solution to this problem. By allowing the grass to grow tall and wild, you create a natural barrier that helps to keep weeds at bay and makes your garden look fuller and more natural. Long grass also provides shelter for small animals, making your garden a true wildlife haven.
To let the grass grow, you’ll need to constantly resist the urge to mow it down. Try setting your mower blades on their highest setting, or let the grass grow long enough so you can no longer see the ground underneath. You may need to weed occasionally; otherwise, relax and let nature take its course. Soon, you’ll have a beautiful, thriving garden perfect for socializing and enjoying nature.
Of course, you can still keep a large lawn and have smaller areas of long grass!
Keep it Natural
The most important aspect of maintaining a wildlife-friendly garden is ensuring you garden naturally and without pesticides which are harmful to wildlife and also harmful to humans too!