Natural Wildlife Friendly Backyard Ideas?
by paco on Tuesday, October 25th, 2011 | 4 Comments
We’re moving to the country and we don’t have a lot of land, but some. We want to attract and maintain a natural wildlife friendly backyard. We’ve considered a bat house, hummingbird feeder, squirrel feeders, bird feeders, and maybe even a purple martin house. We live in Central Missouri. Any ideas on what else we may be able to successfully maintain? Or just awesome ideas for our new backyard and garden?
Honey suckle will attract deer and a row of lettus or cabbage will attract rabbits, There are certain flowers that attract humming birds, 4 o clocks and cigar plants do, also certain types of flowers attract butterflys.
There are several palnts that will attract widelife that you describe. look for a book about native plants or plants that attract wildlife. In my opinion its better to have a plant that attracts butterflys/hummingbirds than a bunch on maunfactured plastic feeders everywhere. Plant plants that have similar water/sun requirements together.
A salt lick, a source of water such as a small pond or even a kiddie pool, and some sort of feeders will help animals and birds find their way to your yard. Leave some areas wild with tall grasses and seed-producing plants, although this might not make your neighbors happy. Animals need a place to hide and feel safe. We have deer, raccoon, possum, foxes, groundhogs, skunks, squirrels, chipmunks and even a coyote all coming to visit, as well as more than 30 varieties of birds.
Be prepared, though. All of this attracts less lovable creatures such as snakes, rats and mice. It’s all part of the balance of nature.
Leave dried corn on the cob, sunflower seeds and apples strewn on the ground to attract the larger animals. A strategically placed garden bench or adirondack chairs will allow you to watch the menagerie you attract.
Be careful if adding honeysuckle. Japanese honeysuckle, while attractive to deer and birds, will cause them stomach problems. The nonnative honeysuckle is also invasive. There are many native honeysuckles. Go with those.