Plants, trees, shrubs… pools, ponds, patios… stone, lighting, seating… these are all excellent additions to your landscape, and all are part of an outdoor living space that can bring you joy throughout all four seasons.
But one thing is missing from the list, and no outdoor space would be the same without it… wildlife! From hummingbirds sipping on your pineapple mint to butterflies resting on a flat stone, living creatures of all kinds are bound to enjoy your space right along with you.
And then there’s the wildlife you may enjoy from a distance, but they can wreck havoc if left unchecked.
In today’s roundup, we’re sharing eight popular posts about managing the wildlife in your yard. Some you may encourage, others you may wish to deter. And with the right combination of landscape elements you can do both!
1. How To Attract Wildlife To Your Garden
Let’s start with the basics. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, or even enjoy gazing on its beauty from a window, you know that a visit from birds, bees, butterflies and other critters is a welcome sight.
There are things you can do to attract the kind of wildlife you enjoy, whether it’s planting inviting flowers or including safe nesting spaces. Learn how to design a landscape around beauty that will welcome wildlife all year long.
2. How To Attract (The Right) Bugs To Your Garden For A Thriving Landscape
When you imagine inviting wildlife into your space, you probably don’t think about bugs. In fact, you may go to lengths to keep them out. But without insects, your garden would cease to thrive. The trick is to keep the right kind coming around.
Find out more about which insects can benefit your gardens, and how to make sure they show up when you need them.
3. 6 Types Of Pond Fish To Add Fun, Color & Life To Your Garden Pond
One of the most fun ways to add vibrant life and color to your space is with a fish pond. From Koi to Shubunkin, there are a lots of kinds of fish that you can include in your pond.
Find out more about which types may suit you, who plays nicely together, which ones can help keep your pond healthier, and more.
4. A Pond Isn’t Just For Koi! 5 Delightful Critters To Add To The Mix.
Why stop at fish if you have a pond? Water just begs for wildlife, whether in the form of a butterfly stopping for a drink on a hot summer day, or a frog peeking out from beneath a lily pad.
Adding a variety of wildlife (or inviting Mother Nature’s wildlife to move in) not only brings beauty, color and enjoyment, but will also contribute to a more balanced, healthier ecosystem. Find out what kinds of pond life play well together and why you may want to add more.
5. Want A Thriving Landscape? Respect Your Pollinators.
Imagine a world without flowers, without fruit and vegetables, without greens, without coffee or chocolate! None of these things would exist without pollinators, who are responsible for keeping our natural spaces thriving.
When you think of pollinators, you probably think of bees, but there are many pollinators – birds, butterflies, bats and more – that you can welcome into your space and enjoy as they help your garden grow. Learn more about the wildlife that pollinates, and how to invite it to your yard.
6. How To Keep Predators Out Of Your Pond And Protect Koi And Other Critters
So far we’ve been talking about inviting wildlife, but sometimes you would prefer to keep it away. There is a place for all wildlife in a natural environment, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your prized koi to the cause.
If you have a pond, you have predators – so find out how to safely and humanely keep them at bay and protect your koi, fish and other pond life.
7. 3 Natural Ways To Keep Deer From Eating Your Landscape
Deer problems tend to pop up more during winter months when other food is scarce. But if you spend the warm months ignoring them, you might be inadvertently training them to come back when they’re hungry later.
Even if you love these critters, you may want to keep them out of your most prized gardens. Find out how to deter them without ugly fences or harmful chemicals.
8. Got Deer? 12 Resistant Plants That Will Survive Hungry Critters
Love deer and don’t mind them around, but still don’t want them nibbling your greenery? You can have both! It’s just a matter of smart planting.
Think of deer like a toddler with a choice between a plate of peas and an ice cream sundae. Some foods are incredibly attractive and others, well, not so much. Your job is to plant the ones that don’t perk up their taste buds. Find out which plants will be far less tempting to deer, and won’t require you to sacrifice beauty, either.
Whether you enjoy the sight of a hummingbird during summer or a cardinal on a snowy day, a fawn in spring or a butterfly during autumn, contact us for a consultation and let’s talk about your wildlife garden. We can craft a landscape design around inviting (or deterring!) wildlife that will bring you four seasons of joy.
