What is Biodiversity Gardening?
Nature conservation begins in your backyard. Biodiversity gardening is gardening for biodiversity, or gardening with the intention of increasing native biodiversity. Practically speaking, it means using 100% native plants. Only native plant species provide food for everyone: fresh green leaves for caterpillars, and floral resources (pollen and nectar) for pollinators. Biodiversity gardening is also about creating much-needed habitat for numerous wild creatures. For example, a small wood pile in one corner of a garden will provide habitat for native bees and many types of insects, salamanders, and fungi. A small rock pile in a sunny, out-of-the-way place will provide a much-needed home for native snakes.
In a beechnutshell, biodiversity gardening is rigorous, or strict native plant gardening that includes elements of habitat restoration. It is small-scale, whimsical ecological restoration. It is not exact, and does not require a complex design or plan before you begin. Replace non-native plants with a diversity of native species on your property, add a small wood pile, and some rocks here and there. The animals will come; biodiversity will thrive in your garden. What are you waiting for? Start your biodiversity garden today! Check out some of our favourite native plants.
In a beechnutshell, biodiversity gardening is rigorous, or strict native plant gardening that includes elements of habitat restoration. It is small-scale, whimsical ecological restoration. It is not exact, and does not require a complex design or plan before you begin. Replace non-native plants with a diversity of native species on your property, add a small wood pile, and some rocks here and there. The animals will come; biodiversity will thrive in your garden. What are you waiting for? Start your biodiversity garden today! Check out some of our favourite native plants.