530-993-4379
Sierra Booster
  • Home
  • Newspaper
    • Latest News
    • Letters to the Editor >
      • Submit Letter to the Editor
    • Old News Archive
    • Photo Tour
    • Events
    • About Us
    • SUBSCRIBE
  • Advertiser Directory
    • Advertiser Press Releases
    • Website Sponsors
    • Advertiser Area
  • Buy Ads - Services
  • Fishing Report
  • Contact Us
  • Admin Log In

Designing a Wildlife-Friendly Landscape

3/3/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
by Melinda Myers

 
We love watching the bunnies hopping across the lawn or ground squirrels scurrying away with a cheek full of seeds. That is, until they dine on our favorite shrub or take just one bite out of each red ripe tomato in the garden. Finding a way to coexist is critical for wildlife struggling to survive and our enjoyment of nature and our landscapes.
 
As gardeners, we know that digging in the soil and tending a garden is good for our mind, body, and spirit. Researchers discovered the same is true when we take time to observe wildlife. Our need for a relationship with nature is also important to our wellbeing. It helps us feel more content and function more effectively.
 
But we love our gardens too. Implementing some design and management strategies can help us support and enjoy wildlife, care for our landscapes, and improve our quality of life.
 
By reducing the amount of edge habitat, where one type of habitat meets another, can allow us to support wildlife while reducing the risk of damage. Create circular or square garden beds that have more interior space and less border space. Long linear beds with more edges and less interior space allows easier access for animals to dine.
 
Work with neighbors and your community to create large blocks and corridors of habitat. Providing them spaces, other than your gardens, with needed food and shelter can help you and the wildlife to coexist.
 
Protect key gardens and plants. Fencing is an option.  Make sure your fence is high enough, tight to the ground, and the gates secure.
 
Repellents are a less obtrusive option. Select a product labeled for the animals and rodents you are trying to manage. For best results, apply repellents before the animals start feeding. Then reapply as recommended on the label. Look for one, like organic, bird- and pollinator-friendly Plantskydd (plantskydd.com), that is rain and snow resistant, requiring fewer repeat applications.
 
Work with nature to maintain a balance in your landscape. Invite hawks, owls, and fox to your backyard.  Grow tall grasses and plants that provide cover for foxes. Include trees with good perches or install perch poles to attract and support raptors. 
 
And like any landscape endeavor, start with a plan. Make a sketch of your existing landscape. Identify existing plants and wildlife-friendly habitats. Make note of both the natural habitats and any supplemental food, water, and shelter you provide. Review and note various features in your landscape throughout the year.
 
Now decide what you want to accomplish in your landscape. What wildlife do you want to attract and have the space to support? Perhaps you want to attract more songbirds to your gardens or animals, like toads, that help manage pests in the garden.
 
Make sure your landscape provides the habitat features needed to attract and sustain these welcome residents. You will find lots of helpful resources on National Wildlife Federation, Audubon, Natural Resources Conservation Services, Department of Natural Resources, and University Extension websites.
 
Be patient and wait for a year to evaluate the results of your efforts. Then begin making any needed changes to meet your goals.
 
Developing a landscape for you to enjoy and one that supports wildlife takes time, but as a gardener this is not only part of the process but an exciting adventure.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything”DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Tree World Plant Care for her expertise to write this article. Myers' website is www.MelindaMyers.com.


​
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    April 2014
    September 2009

    Categories

    All
    2015
    Sierra County News

    RSS Feed

    Vie
    ​w Old News

CONTACT US:

Sierra Booster Newspaper
PO Box 8
Loyalton, CA 96118
Phone: 530-993-4379
Fax: 844-272-8583
Email: jbuck@psln.com

Website Privacy Policy​
Picture
Local Weather
©Copyright Sierra Booster - Sierra County News - Editorial
Website by Chamber Nation