C all of the wild

WITH A FEW SIMPLE ADDITIONS, YOU CAN TURN YOUR BACKYARD INTO A HAVEN FOR BIRDS, BEES AND OTHER BENEFICIAL FAUNA

Words TAMMY HUYNH

Agarden can be more than just a place to sit and smell the roses. It’s an opportunity to attract wildlife and create a thriving ecosystem in your backyard.

Increasing urbanisation has displaced much of our local fauna but, as gardeners, we can do our bit to help by providing a safe habitat and food resource for a host of beneficial creatures. Some birds and insects are valuable pollinators, predatory frogs and lizards feed on insect pests, and beetles, slaters and millipedes break down decaying plant matter, adding essential nutrients to the soil.

On top of that, there’s great joy to be had from pottering in a garden full of beautiful butterflies and bees, listening for the evening call of frogs, watching honeyeaters busy at work in a grevillea or spying a blue-tongue lizard sunning itself on a rock. Bunnings Greenlife buyer Katy Schreuder says being able to observe nature in our own backyard can improve wellbeing and mindfulness. “Even something as simple as a well-placed birdbath can offer a critical water source for birds during dry weather and gives hours of pleasure to the keen observer who can watch the different visitors throughout the day,” she says. Read on to find out how to attract more wildlife into your garden.

Food for thought

To encourage year-round visitors, include a diverse selection of plants, suggests Katy. “Natives with different flowering seasons throughout the year, like banksia, leptospermum, callistemon and grevillea, can provide valuable nectar for many birds and insects,” she says. “Perennial flowers such as lavender, salvia and rosemary also attract insects – which are pollinators as well as a valuable part of the food chain for other creatures such as frogs, birds and reptiles.”

Flowering annuals like alyssum, cosmos, marigold, sunflower and zinnia, and herbs including borage, thyme and rosemary are also great for attracting bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Balance Of Nature

Native birds, reptiles and insects all play a crucial part in a healthy ecosystem.

Hide and seek

Creating different levels with tiered planting will provide opportunities for a variety of native fauna to feed, nest and take shelter. “Choose plants with different heights – low groundcovers, mid-level shrubs and trees, and canopy trees – to give a wide range of choices for varioussized creatures,” says Katy.

Good native groundcover options include fan-flower (Scaevola), cut-leaf daisy (Brachyscome), creeping boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium) and Grevillea ‘Bronze Rambler’. For trees and shrubs, try correa, westringia, abelia, buddleia, callistemon, leptospermum, flowering eucalypts, wattle and banksia. You don’t need to plant one of each – grouping a few of the same variety together is ideal.

A pile of logs or rocks may look unassuming but can be a protective haven for small insects and reptiles.

“It gives them a spot for shelter and refuge from the elements,” says Katy. “Similarly, ‘insect hotels’ can be used as a nesting or sheltering habitat for a range of different insect species, including solitary bees and other native pollinators.”

Thirsty work

Jac Semmler, horticulturist and creative director of plant practice Super Bloom (@jac.semmler), suggests including water sources to encourage and support wildlife. “Consider placing sticks or stones in any water trough or pond so bees and lizards have safe access and escape from the water,” she advises.

A birdbath is perhaps the easiest way to provide water for wildlife - place it in a sheltered spot where the birds will feel protected, keep the water fresh and clean, then enjoy the show!

Water for wildlife should be topped up regularly and cleaned frequently, says Katy. And always be mindful of children and the dangers of water, whether the body of water is small, large, shallow or deep. Before putting in a water source such as a pond, “check with your local council for pool regulations,” she says. Also, consider safety features such as a mesh cover.

What not to do

Where possible, avoid having any bare ground in your garden. “There’s a plant out there for any situation that will help draw birds, beneficial insects and other wonders into our gardens,” says Jac. “Verges or nature strips are also great places to plant out and encourage wildlife, so do what you can to increase the greenlife in your neighbourhood.” Rules and regulations regarding the planting of nature strips vary according to where you live, so check with your local council before planting anything outside your property.

If planting every bit of the garden isn’t possible, spread a layer of organic mulch or decaying leaf litter over unplanted areas. This can help to suppress weed growth and provide a welcome habitat for beetles and other small insects, as well as adding organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.

Also try to protect wildlife from your pets. “Fenced areas can help keep curious pets and local fauna apart,” Katy says. “Cats should not be allowed to roam at night and should wear a collar with a bell to warn birds of their approach.” While it’s tempting to feed wildlife, Katy says it’s not a good idea. “Feeding bread to birds can lead to increased risk of diseases and environmental pollution,” she says. “Instead, create an environment where they have access to plenty of natural food sources.” And when birds, bees and other wildlife visit, observe but try not to disturb them.

Plant It And They Will Come

Tempt bees and butterflies into your garden by providing what they love most: a plentiful supply of nectar and pollen.

1 Gardman ceramic hanging birdbath, $17.98, I/N: 2801076. 2 Mr Fothergill’s butterfly house, $20.98, I/N: 0074294.

3 Tuscan Path 30-50mm natural stone pebbles in Grey, $9.99/1.5kg, I/N: 0014848.

4 Mr Fothergill’s ‘Bee Friendly’ flower mix seed shaker, $12.98,

NATIVE

Grevillea is not only a magnet for bees and nectar-feeding birds, its foliage also provides shelter from predators.

Evergreen

Rosemary’s highly aromatic flowers attract a variety of bees and pollinators while helping to repel flies and mosquitoes.

ANNUAL Marigolds are irresistible to butterflies as well as many beneficial insects that help control bad bugs.

Keep in mind… n Take care when selecting your plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets. n Wear gloves and a mask when handling mulch. n Ponds more than 30cm deep may require fencing. Contact your local council for permit and approval information relevant to your area. Children must be supervised at all times around water.