Wildlife plays a vital role in our gardens, pollinating plants and controlling pests. In return, our gardens provide essential food and shelter for these creatures. However, winter can be a challenging time for wildlife, with limited food sources. By making a few simple changes to your garden, you can create a welcoming haven for local wildlife. Here are our top tips for a wildlife-friendly winter garden.
- Preserve Natural Habitats: Resist the urge to tidy up your garden completely. Leave hollow stems and fallen leaves to provide shelter for insects and other invertebrates.
- Embrace the Leaf Litter: Instead of raking up all the leaves, consider leaving them in sheltered areas. This will create a valuable habitat for hedgehogs and insects. However, remove leaves from delicate plants that are susceptible to slug damage.
- Protect Pond Life: Clear away snow from frozen ponds to allow light to penetrate and maintain oxygen levels for aquatic life.
- Winter Bird Buffet: Fill bird feeders with high-energy seeds like sunflower hearts and hang suet balls. Regularly replenish the feeders to ensure a constant food supply.
- Water for Wildlife: Keep birdbaths topped up with fresh water, even in freezing temperatures. A heated birdbath can be a lifesaver for birds.
- Plant for Wildlife: Incorporate berry-bearing shrubs like holly, hawthorn, and crab apple trees into your garden. These provide valuable food sources for birds and add winter interest.
- Ivy Sanctuary: Leave ivy undisturbed during winter. Its evergreen foliage and berries offer essential shelter and food for wildlife.
- Winter Bloomers: Plant winter-flowering plants like hellebores, winter heather, mahonia, primroses, and crocuses to provide nectar for early pollinators.
- Mulch Your Beds: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to your garden beds. This will improve soil fertility, suppress weeds, and help retain moisture.
If you’re looking for ways to help your garden wildlife this winter, visit us at Carpenters Nursery. We have everything you need, from bird feeders to winter plants, and our friendly staff are always happy to help!
