More and more studies are finding that we benefit from time spent in nature. If you have a garden, then it is easy to bring nature closer by creating a garden that attracts birds, insects and small mammals. Here’s how to create a low maintenance garden that attracts wildlife of all kinds.
Wild zone
Luckily, gardens that attract wildlife tend to be low maintenance. In fact, not cutting the grass is one of the best things you can do to create a wildlife garden as it will soon be full of wildflowers and provide a place for butterflies to lay their eggs. Many shrubs that attract wildlife such as Butterfly Bush and Holly are easy to grow and need little or no maintenance.
Here are a few more ways to make a low maintenance garden that provides a home for wildlife.
Bird bistro
A simple way to attract birds to the garden is to provide bird feeders. There is a wide range of feeders and types of food available to attract a variety of birds. Different birds have different feeding habits so bear this in mind when choosing feeders. For example, great tits are happy to cling on to a wire feeder, while robins are naturally ground feeders so will appreciate a solid place to perch while they dine.
The RSPB has lots of information on how to attract different birds to the garden.
Make a buzz
One of the easiest ways to attract butterflies to your garden is to plant a Buddleja, commonly known as a Butterfly Bush. Butterflies will swarm to this pretty shrub and you will see many varieties come to feed each day. Standard Buddleja’s can get very large and have masses of purple-blue, pink or white cones of flowers that insects love. If you have a small garden, there are compact varieties available such as Buddleja davidii ‘Buzz Sky Blue’ which can be grown in a large pot.
Butterflies and bees also love coneflowers, Shasta Daisies, Lavender, Snapdragons, Sunflowers and Marigolds, which are all easy to grow.
Waterworks
All your garden visitors will enjoy a long drink when they come to visit, especially in hot dry summers and icy winters. However, you don’t need to create a complicated pond or water feature. A simple low maintenance option is to fill a container, such as a tub, barrel or pot, with water. This will bring birds and small mammals to visit your garden for a drink.
If you want to attract frogs and newts, then create a pond with a sloping edge so they can get in and out easily. This doesn’t need to be large and can be created using a preformed pond liner. These are available in a range of sizes and shapes. Frogs and newts will keep down the slugs and snails, too, which is a bonus for keen gardeners.
Birds will also appreciate a birdbath or shallow container lined with pebbles, where they can drink and bathe safely.
Home sweet home
You can create homes for many insects, birds and mammals in your garden, from bird boxes to bug hotels, bat boxes and even hedgehog houses. These are easy to make or can be bought online or from garden centres. A simple pile of logs will create a home for many insects and even possibly a hedgehog!
Natural habitats can be created with ivy-covered fences, hedges, shrubs or climbers. Plants such as Honeysuckle, Rowan, Viburnum Opulus and Holly provide both shelters in their dense foliage and food in the form of nectar, berries and seeds.
Wholesome herbs
A herb garden will attract pollinators and provide fresh, tasty herbs for your cooking. You can create a herb garden in pots on a bench or in a raised bed to make it a low maintenance option that is easily accessible for everyone.
A Mumby’s live-in carer can help create your low maintenance garden that attracts wildlife
At Mumby’s, we believe that everyone deserves to live a rich and fulfilling life. Our live-in carers can help you keep active and independent and make sure you continue to enjoy the activities you love with their support. A great benefit of live-in care for many elderly people is the fact that they keep their garden and can continue to enjoy tending, sitting and relaxing in it. As people get older they often want a low maintenance garden that allows them to enjoy nature at home.
If you love nature and gardening, our carers can help with garden maintenance and tasks such as feeding the birds. You can continue to can enjoy your garden and the benefits that nature brings to your health and wellbeing.
For more information on how a Mumby’s carer can help you live a fulfilling life, contact us on 0800 505 3511 for a friendly, no-obligation chat.
Give live-in care a try without a long-term commitment
Our live-in care 2-week trial allows you to try our outstanding live-in care and make an informed decision for your loved one without any long-term commitment. Book a free care assessment.
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