There are many benefits to creating a garden that supports biodiversity. These include slowing the spread of invasive pests, reducing erosion and water use, and adding to the beauty of your home landscape.
One of the best ways to create a biodiverse garden is by interplanting mixed-species plantings. These mixed plant communities imitate natural ecosystems.
Plant a Range of Plant-Species
Planting a range of plant-species in your garden creates micro-habitats that provide food, shelter and nesting areas for many different kinds of wildlife. Often, these plants support insects and birds that otherwise wouldn’t have a place to live.
A range of plants also contribute to the biodiversity of your soil by producing a variety of different chemicals that affect how the soil is structured and the organisms that live in it. This increases the diversity of the critters that live in the soil and helps to maintain healthy soils and healthy ecosystems.
The increase in biodiversity in your garden can be achieved through the use of native plants that are adapted to the conditions of your region and climate. You can find out what native plants are suited to your area by using the Botanic Gardens of South Australia’s Plant Selector tool.
Create a Layered Canopy
Creating a layered canopy in your garden will provide many benefits for wildlife. These include wind and rain protection, niches, structural diversity and more.
Canopy trees are a natural resource for birds and other animals that rely on them for food, shelter or nesting sites. They are also a natural source of pollen and seeds for the insects that they attract.
They also help regulate the climate of the forest by converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. This energy is transferred to the rest of the forest through their leaves and fruit.
Canopy trees also store water to avoid drying out too quickly. Some have thick stems that keep water in their leaves; others have leaf hairs that close the stomata (openings) when the plant is dry. These plants can grow even in the harshest conditions of the rainforest canopy. These plants have also developed symbiotic relationships with animals and other plants to get needed nutrients.
Make Your Garden Easy to Access
Creating a garden that supports biodiversity not only makes your outdoor space more beautiful, but it also benefits the environment. You get to enjoy nature right from your backyard, and you set a good example for your children to appreciate it as well.
When designing your garden, consider how to make it accessible for people of all ages and abilities. The creator of universal gardening, Stephen Cantu, recommends textured pathways that are easy to walk on and eliminate barriers to access.
Planting a wide variety of flowers and fruit-bearing plants is a great way to attract insects and birds. This will provide food and shelter for wildlife that will in turn support your ecosystem.
Make Your Garden Easy to Maintain
A garden that supports biodiversity offers many benefits, including enhanced sensory pleasure, health and wellbeing. It can help to alleviate issues such as low yields, poor soil or pollination, and pest insect damage.
It can also create a habitat for wildlife, as plants and flowers provide food, shelter and nesting sites for insects, birds and other animals. It can also encourage natural predators to control pests, which can help to reduce the use of pesticides.
In a biodiverse garden, it is essential to plant different types of plants with different shapes, sizes, colors and scents. This diversity will attract a greater variety of wildlife.
A plant-species rich garden will naturally attract a range of wildlife from spring to winter. Fruits, nectar and pollen from flowering plants are a great source of food for insects.