Winter is a good time to verify whether you’ve met the year-round needs of wildlife. Are there birds visiting your garden? Do they have a place to seek shelter in cold weather? If your garden is looking a bit barren, you might want to consider adding an evergreen this spring. Evergreen trees and shrubs offer year-round protection from inclement weather and also provide places to hide from predators. They also add some interesting colour to the omnipresent blanket of white in winter landscapes. There are four main things to consider when planning out your garden: food, water, space and shelter.
Food: Make sure you plant species that meet the dietary needs of local wildlife. You’ll attract a variety of animals whose needs aren’t met by seed feeders and you’ll add more colour to your garden!
Water: Water is a very important element and easy to provide for wildlife. Simply put out a bowl of water on a stump when the temperature is above freezing, or create a pond. Whatever you do will be appreciated!
Space: Wildlife see your garden in 3-D. They are attracted to different shapes and varying heights. Add lots of layers, including shrubs, trees and perennials, to increase the wildlife traffic through your garden.
Shelter: Give little critters some place to hide out from predators or keep warm during the winter months.
Gardening Gab 