In addition to being ornamental, The gardens are spaces that favor the visit of different animals, like insects or birds that adorn it with their color and song, contributing to the sustainability of ecosystems. If you have one at home, you’ve probably wondered: why do animals come to my garden? or what should I do to attract them? In this article we will explain it to you.
In the midst of routine, gardens are spaces conducive to relaxation and rest. Various studies have indicated that gardening has a positive impact on mental and physical health which is why it is becoming an increasingly common hobby every day. So let’s learn more about them and their visitors.
Gardens provide homes and shelters
The garden is an entire ecosystem that offers shelter and allows the development of different species. At an early level, the earth can become home to worms that suit a fertilizer function in the soil, as they create vermicompost, an organic fertilizer. Also, birds often seek out worms to eat.
On the other hand, several birds seek out trees and shrubs to build their nests and protect themselves from adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or wind. Likewise, it is possible to build a home for birds that offers them security and is of an appropriate size for the type of species you wish to attract.
Read on: ideas for designing gardens with flowers
It is a source of water and food
Another reason that animals attract to your garden is that they can find food and water there.. Pollen from flowers, seeds, small insects and tree fruits attracts animals such as bees, butterflies and birds.
If your garden is small and you don’t have fruit trees, you can adapt a bird feeder to leave ripe fruit, seeds or commercial food. In addition, you can put a trough with fresh water or a fountain that gives a romantic touch.
Learn: 3 different ways to have ponds at home
Some animals we can find in the garden
Generally, wildlife attracted to the garden has beneficial effects on the garden, home and the environment. Some insects and birds aid in pest control and allow for pollination. We present you the most common animals that you can find in the garden and what function they perform.
bees and bumblebees
Bees play such an important role for biodiversity and food security that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has established since 2017 the world bee daywith the aim of raise awareness of the importance of their protection. They will surely visit your garden to extract pollen and nectar from flowers.
ladybugs
Besides being beautiful these colorful insects will protect your garden from pestsas devourers of aphids and insects that damage plants.
Birds
The type of bird that visits your garden will depend on the region you are in.. Blackbirds, doves, sparrows, hummingbirds and robins are some of the most common. With their songs they cheer up the house and feed on worms and small insects, controlling this population.
butterflies
Butterflies are considered one of the most beautiful animals due to their elegant fluttering and variety of colors. Moreover, contribute to the pollination of flowers. However, when they are caterpillars, they can eat part of your orchard or garden.
spiders
Despite their bad reputation, spiders do as important a job in the garden as they do they control mosquitoes and invertebrates trapping them in their webs.
Some plants to call animals in my garden
Butterflies and hummingbirds are some of the most beautiful and popular animals as visitors to the gardens.. The two species play a very important role in pollination, which is essential for environmental sustainability.
Nectariferous plants, characterized by having abundant flowers responsible for the secretion of nectar, often attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Besides being food, the nectar performs an important function for the reproduction of the former. In the case of hummingbirds, it is the main component of their diet..
A study in the Peruvian Journal of Biology found that the plants of the families Fabaceae, pretty Woman AND Passifloraceae They have attracted more butterfly species. On the other hand, one research conducted by the University of El Salvador indicate families Fabaceae, bromeliads, Passifloraceae AND Heliconiaceae as some of the species that interact the most with hummingbirds.
Therefore, we will talk about 5 plants from these families, with their common names, that you can plant in your garden to attract these beautiful visitors.
passion flower
Passion flower, also known as passion flower OR Passion flowerthey are climbing plants that have exotic beauty and various medicinal properties.
Granadilla, gulupa and passion fruit are fruits of various species of passion flower. Generally, They are easy plants to grow.. However, it is important to keep in mind that they are native to tropical climates, so they are not resistant to very low temperatures. However, they can adapt well to Mediterranean climates.
petunias
Petunias are plants used in outdoor gardens, as they are easy to care for and They flower very well when they have plenty of light.. They usually have strong and striking colors.
According to a United States Department of Agriculture publication, to attract wildlife to gardens, hummingbirds’ favorite flower colors are red and yellow. Therefore, planting some red petunias is the best option.
Lupine
They are a type of plant with beautiful blue, purple or pink flowers. They are characterized by rapid growth and adaptability to both outdoor gardens and pots.. Its leguminous seeds are edible and of high nutritional value. They are easy to care for and adapt to a variety of climates, especially cold or cold weather.
air carnation
The air carnation is a plant belonging to the bromeliad family which is characterized by its ease of care. It is very resistant, ideal for vertical gardens or tall pots, because it usually grows entangled in trees. Although their development is slow, they are very beautiful when they flower. Also, they are very popular with hummingbirds.
birds of paradise
If you live in a warm or tropical area, the bird of paradise is a must in your garden. They are plants that have a unique beauty, resembling a tropical bird.. They do not resist temperatures below 10 degrees. Otherwise, they are very easy to grow and can withstand strong winds. They don’t require a lot of water, as moisture tends to rot.
Plan and organize your crops to attract animals to your garden
If you want to have animals in your garden, you have to organize with the harvest to have the plants and flowers that attract them. Remember to keep in mind which species are most common in your area so you can focus on them.
This small ecosystem requires care, but it is one more part of the house capable of cheering us up, calming us down and relaxing us. It’s not hard to enjoy the sight of hummingbirds and butterflies, so don’t waste your time and start with it.
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