Attracting wildlife with natives
NATIVE plants offer plenty of garden variety, not just for us but for local wildlife, too. Our backyards can contribute to the assortment of food and shelter plants available for plants and insects.
To attract birds, consider planting a few key native trees and supplement them with others to provide a food source yearround. Pate, five finger and tree fuchsia are small enough for most home gardens and produce nectar and fruit for birds.
Add seasonal treats such as flax or kowhai for nectar feeders. A range of fruiting natives will provide a staggered source of food for many visiting birds. Mahoe, coprosma, kaikomako, lancewood and mapou are a few staples.
Did you know New Zealand has nearly 30 species of native bees, at least 20 species of stick insects, and well over 1650 species of native moths? What a shame many gardeners dismiss insects as creepy crawlies, or approach them with malevolence.
Insects break down organic matter, pollinate flowers, attract other amazing and beneficial insects, keep pests in check and feed insectivores such as fantails and grey warblers. A wide range of native garden plants will encourage healthy insect communities.
To learn more about how native plantings in your garden can help maintain healthy, biodiverse ecosystems where birds, insects and reptiles can thrive, come along to a free walk and talk in Dunedin Botanic Garden on Saturday, April 21.
Garden Life is produced by Dunedin Botanic Garden. For further information contact Kate Caldwell.