by JustJanice

Created on: June 30, 2009   Last Updated: July 01, 2009

Imagine sitting outside in your garden and enjoying watching the wildlife the wildlife that is enjoying your garden as a result of your efforts.

If you decide to design your garden so as to introduce wildlife, careful planning should be considered. For instance, one would have to know which plants and trees attract wildlife and which are poisonous to our animal friends. Food, water and shelter are a good place to start. The shelter will be needed for parents to raise their young. It may be best to start off with native plants, providing lots of foliage, berries, nectar and pollen that many species need in order to survive. Native plants usually require little maintenance and wildlife love them. It is also important to provide bird feeders, squirrel feeders and butterfly feeders as an added source when natural food sources are unavailable.

Wildlife needs a clean source of water for drinking, bathing and reproduction. A bird bath is a very attractive addition to any garden and can be purchased in different shapes and sizes to suit both your pocket and your garden. Be sure to change the water at least two to three times a week. Another excellent source of water is a pond. Instructions on how to build your own are readily available on the Internet and in your favourite book store. Should you decide to build your own pond careful planning is needed? Position the pond so that it receives some but not permanent sun. When filling the pond add a bucket of water from a nearby natural pond. One bucket full will introduce millions of organisms helping to keep the system in check. Keep the pond child safe, especially if children play near it.

Just like humans wildlife need shelter to feel warm and safe from predators, humans and bad weather. Natural sources such as shrubs and brush piles make great hiding places. If these are not available consider building a shelter for the wildlife. The shelter could also be used for wildlife to raise their young, keeping them safe from predators, bad weather and once again, too much human interference.

The maintenance of your garden can have either positive or negative effects on wildlife so be sure and read up before using chemical fertilisers that could be harmful to the wildlife.

You may want to join other enthusiasts and have your garden for wildlife certified. A registration fee is applicable and you also receive certain benefits as well as a sign to display in your front garden stating 'certified' Wildlife Habitat's showing your commitment to conserving wildlife.

http://www.nwf.org/gardenforwildlife/certify.cfm

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