For everyone that has a garden, there is typically a reason or and intention behind its creation; and for every person, there is a unique idea for their garden choices and plant selections. Some may build a garden for aesthetic and beauty. Some may create a garden as a great hobby and others may even have a multifaceted intention, which includes creating a space for diverse wildlife. Observing wildlife in the garden can be as fascinating and attractive as the garden display and performance itself. Attracting wildlife to your gardens and landscape can be as easy as offering a few selective plants in your flowering beds; or you can broaden the scope of diversity by offering other necessities, which also increases good environmental stewardship. Of course, the word wildlife is a broad term that may bring to mind lions, tigers and bears…oh my! Yet, the diversity of wildlife you can attract in your landscape is specific to your environment.
A very in depth and regionally specific source of information for the Pacific Northwest is a book entitled: Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest by Russell Link. This book is a “must have” in your collection of guides for introducing a more wildlife friendly environment in your own backyard. This book explains the basics like providing the necessities for a wildlife habitat: food, water, space and shelter. The plants, trees and shrubs we choose for our landscapes may provide the aforementioned necessities for an entire community of animals. You can, however, design your yard and space to suit the needs of specific wildlife in your region. The book offers valuable comprehensive lists of plant material and it also describes their habitat and wildlife benefits. There are also tips on how to start from the scratch, so you don’t have to be a landscape architect to implement positive change in your landscape.
With the ever increasing stressful demands that are placed on our environment, we have the shared resources, knowledge and ability that can guide us to being better stewards for our planet… we can give back to nature by providing a better habitat for life. The power of a garden can be highly underestimated. It has the potential improve our environment, our health and wellbeing and our diverse community. I highly recommend the book, Landscape for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest and have no doubt that you’ll enjoy the read and the many ideas that it will help generate for your specific needs and desires. Happy Gardening!
~Jamie Sloan
Account Manager
DeSantis Landscapes