There are many insects and birds that can be attracted to the garden with very little effort. Wildlife species that are likely to be attracted to a suburban garden include birds, insects, frogs, hedgehogs, lizards and butterflies.
There is a delicate relationship between the species that co-habit a garden. The more insects you have, the more food there is for birds and reptiles. The more reptiles you have, the more likely you are to have predatory birds like owls visiting the garden. It takes a few months for a balance to be established but once it is, you are unlikely to have any insect problems in the garden and the need to spray will be reduced.
Gardening for wildlife cannot be achieved overnight. It is a way of life. The wonderful thing is that you can start by doing small things to help but the sky is the limit when you really get into it!
Ways to Attract Wildlife:
Reduce the use of pesticides to a bare minimum. By encouraging insects, you will be encouraging their predators. If you must spray, try to spray with a Pyrethrum based insecticide as this breaks down within 24 hours, leaving no residual poison. The other alternative is to plant insect repelling herbs alongside problem plants.
Supplement feeding will bring in insects and birds of all descriptions. You could put out food on a regular basis or you can plant certain varieties that produce seed, nectar or fruit. Feeding tables can be purchased that are either free standing or suitable for hanging in a tree. For the best results, have 2 feeders – one in a fairly open and exposed area and the other in a secluded bushy part of the garden.
The selection of food is endless. Some examples are grain, millet, fruit, suet and bone meal. Scraps from the table like bacon rinds are suitable. Lizards, frogs and toads can be fed by leaving finely minced meat at ground level.
A well thought out water supply in a garden is a must. Again, the ideal is to have 2 water sources, one in the open and the other in a secluded area. The water can be contained in a grinding stone, birdbath and or a pond. The ideal pond would have gently sloping sides so birds could wade into the water and shaped so that wildlife can get in and out safely. Rocks can be strategically placed in the pond to help.
Having fish in a pond is a great way to attract Hammerkops and Kingfishers. In order to give them a sporting chance, plant a few water lilies and other aquatic plants to provide shelter for the fish. Ponds should have one open side to attract birds like herons, while the well-planted side will house most of the other insect and bird life.
Offer Nesting Sites
Nesting can be encouraged in many ways. Providing sisal nesting logs will attract barbets and woodpeckers. Large nesting boxes are often inhabited by owls. Bird boxes will give you a great chance to watch birds raise families. Often, all birds need is a suitable tree to nest in. Thorn trees make the best nest sites as they are protected from predators.
You can help to provide nesting material for birds by planting veld grasses in an out-of-the-way patch. You can also hang a raffia bag in the tree that is stuffed with grasses, feathers, small sticks and seeds. The birds will be grateful for the help!
Also consider introducing beneficial bug houses or bug boxes. These are designed with a variety of entry size crooks and holes to lure a variety of insects inside but to also keep potential predators away. These provide a snug, safe home where many garden insects including ladybirds, bees and lacewings can take shelter.
A good layer of mulch will form an ideal foraging ground for birds like the Thrush and Cape Robin-Chat. Mulch not only keeps the soil damp and cool, but it also encourages insects that are vital for a healthy soil. Mulch can be bought in bags but can also be home-made. Layers of grass cuttings and leaves make a lovely thick mulch. The mulch will eventually be broken down by the earthworms so keep replenishing it. This also saves on the garden refuse that is generated by every garden.
You do not necessarily have to have a completely indigenous garden, but a good balance between exotic and indigenous will do fine. Try to include all types of plants in your garden, some nesting trees, others to provide berries and others to provide nectar or seed. The greater the variety of plants the greater the number of species you will have in your garden.
Leave a Wild Corner
Resist the temptation to tidy up too much. A wild, undisturbed corner of the garden can be great habitat for birds and insects as well as a place for larger mammals to shelter.
Plant a Hanging Basket
Hanging baskets are like a mini-garden and are a great way to plant insect attracting flowers whatever the size of your space. Make the most of a hanging basket by planting trailing plants such as Lobelia and Nasturtiums. You could also plant trailing ivy to provide all year round food and shelter.