May is Gardening for Wildlife Month. Planning a wildlife garden to attract the type of wildlife you want can be fun. You can always purchase pre-planned kits from reputable sources or you can plan your own. The National Wildlife Federation has a certified habitat program and provides some great tips to get started.

To provide a balanced habitat, here are the elements you’ll need to consider.

1. Food sources: Wildlife needs herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees that can provide food including pollen, nectar, seeds, berries, and the like. You’ll want to pick a variety of plants that will provide food throughout the year.
2. Water: You’ll need to provide a source not only for drinking but also bathing and reproduction.
3. Cover: Animals need and want cover plants so they can either hide or stalk their prey.
4. Places to raise young: Many species have different habitat needs in their juvenile phase than they do as adults. Providing spaces for raising young will attract more wildlife.

Happy planting!

Debra