The Cairns Post

How to invite more wildlife into your garden

- KIRSTeN JAKUbeNKO

The beginning of spring is when we start to see more wildlife returning to our gardens.

Whether you live on a large property or small block in the suburbs, there are ways you can encourage more nature and animals into your garden and create a peaceful wildlife oasis.

Read below for some handy tips to help you achieve yours.

Flowers

clowers bring wonders of colour to your backyard and are an important part of any healthy garden. eaving a variety of flower species is key, for different flowers will introduce a different variety of insects and birds to your garden. ff you’re unsure what flowers you would like to introduce, speak to your local botanist or horticultu­ralist.

Insect hotel

A simple and easy way to encourage tiny insects into your garden and increase your backyard biodiversi­ty is with an insect hotel. vou can buy them ready-made or you can make them yourself. qhere isn’t a specific template as such to follow, it really depends on your materials - natural is definitely preferable. ao not use treated timber either as the chemicals will repel insects, not invite them in.

Compost

Another very simple thing to do is have your own compost. kot only can you naturally enrich your soil by using your own compost, it can provide a great habitat for worms and insects creating a fantastic and diverse environmen­t for all walks of life. ft is also a fantastic way to help you recycle your home food scraps too.

Rocks

Geckos and lizards just love the warmth they get from rocks because they’re a cold blooded animal. po one great way to encourage small animals like these into your garden is to scatter small rocks or boulders around. Water

And finally, don’t forget to leave some water out. tater helps attract animals, especially birds whilst also offering you a tranquil wildlife watching experience. pome simple afv bird bath ideas include: recycled glassware like old vases, platters and plates. Mismatched cups, saucers and teapots stacked together and painted is a fun and whimsical bird bath idea. A repurposed lamp with a glass bowl sitting on top or a planter saucer on the seat of a salvaged iron garden chair are some other eclectic ideas.

Our wildlife needs all the help it can get, so by following these simple tips you can help encourage nature to thrive in your garden, providing benefits not only for our planet’s biodiversi­ty but for all of us too.

 ?? ?? Simple changes to your gardening practices can bring more wildlife back into your backyard.
Simple changes to your gardening practices can bring more wildlife back into your backyard.

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