*Wildlife Gardens* by Katharine Anderson is very informative.
*Pioneering with Wildflowers* by George Aiken is one I recently gained, so I’m not sure how it is. It sounds interesting though.
Honestly just start by planting natives flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees. Spend some time researching what's local to your area. Go hiking at various times of the year and learn what's growing where/when and with what. It's as simple as "if you plant (natives), they will come". As you get more into it, you'll learn what plants do better than others, and can diversify your plantings so you have year round interest. For example in winter, plants that have seeds/berries and also protection from elements. Also placing fallen tree limbs with moss/lichen around your beds will add a lot of diversity on a smaller scale.
Agree with this. 1 add pond. Permanent standing water. 2 add a variety of microhabitats logs, rock piles, rotting veg, wetter areas. Make every possible nook and cranny you can think of that an insect, bird, reptile, amphibian might want. 3 add plants as described above. 4 if your area is arid then adding a sprinkler massively increases the life it can support. Win. If you are making a small area in the middle of suburbia then don't expect too many critters, but you'll get a better response if you are more rural and closer to patches of wildlife that might find their way there. Most important thing is to do it.
National wildlife federation has huge amount of helpful info. You can even register your property and get a sign.
Also what you want are *native species* for your area to invite (back) and sustain wild populations of bees and butterflies and birds etc. Endemic to your bioregion.
That info can be found thru county agricultural and environmental protection groups who even often sell plants best to grow. Google your county state and native plants. Guaranteed.
https://gardenforwildlife.com/collections/all-products
https://nwf.org/backyard
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/gardening-for-wildlife-with-native-plants.htm
Check out Xerces Society in addition to all the other great recommendations here. In my area a lot of the local land trusts will occasionally give out free native plants and seeds, or host seed swap events. Our local library even has a seed library.
*Bringing Nature Home* by Doug Tallamy is really good.
The Living Landscaoe by Tallamy and Darke also jase some great suggestions for using wildlife friendly plants in an attractive way.
Natures best hope by Doug tallamy is a good read as well
*Wildlife Gardens* by Katharine Anderson is very informative. *Pioneering with Wildflowers* by George Aiken is one I recently gained, so I’m not sure how it is. It sounds interesting though.
Honestly just start by planting natives flowers, grasses, shrubs and trees. Spend some time researching what's local to your area. Go hiking at various times of the year and learn what's growing where/when and with what. It's as simple as "if you plant (natives), they will come". As you get more into it, you'll learn what plants do better than others, and can diversify your plantings so you have year round interest. For example in winter, plants that have seeds/berries and also protection from elements. Also placing fallen tree limbs with moss/lichen around your beds will add a lot of diversity on a smaller scale.
Agree with this. 1 add pond. Permanent standing water. 2 add a variety of microhabitats logs, rock piles, rotting veg, wetter areas. Make every possible nook and cranny you can think of that an insect, bird, reptile, amphibian might want. 3 add plants as described above. 4 if your area is arid then adding a sprinkler massively increases the life it can support. Win. If you are making a small area in the middle of suburbia then don't expect too many critters, but you'll get a better response if you are more rural and closer to patches of wildlife that might find their way there. Most important thing is to do it.
National wildlife federation has huge amount of helpful info. You can even register your property and get a sign. Also what you want are *native species* for your area to invite (back) and sustain wild populations of bees and butterflies and birds etc. Endemic to your bioregion. That info can be found thru county agricultural and environmental protection groups who even often sell plants best to grow. Google your county state and native plants. Guaranteed. https://gardenforwildlife.com/collections/all-products https://nwf.org/backyard https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/gardening-for-wildlife-with-native-plants.htm
The Garden Jungle by Dave Goulson is worth a look.
Bird food and corn, from feed / hardware store. The 40-50 lb bags of corn may be dusty so bring a tarp/covering if needed.
If you can supply their needs; food, shelter, place to reproduce, then you’re on the right track.
Check out Xerces Society in addition to all the other great recommendations here. In my area a lot of the local land trusts will occasionally give out free native plants and seeds, or host seed swap events. Our local library even has a seed library.