The Urban Wildlife Gardens program encourages us to focus on the natural environment in the restricted space of our own gardens. This is our place to nurture and protect. The closer we look the more we see. The August workshop with Dion Dior will inspire us.
Taking notes and keeping records is a way to notice seasonal changes and the natural cycle of life and growth. Tuning in to the rhythm of the natural environment can be done in the smallest of areas.
Finding out more about local fauna and flora and taking time to notice YOUR OWN garden is a privilege and a pleasure.
The habitat you will need to attract local wildlife is the same wherever you live and includes:
WATER – providing bird baths and pools at ground level.
SHELTER – planting different levels of vegetation (overstory trees, understory shrubs and groundcovers).
FOOD – growing local native plants for their seeds, berries, nuts, nectar and not poisoning the insects they attract that in turn become food for other species.
When the world grows weary, sitting quietly in your own garden reminds us to enjoy and appreciate what we have. A closer look can unearth unknown treasures and distract us from wider issues that often seem beyond our control.
Planting local native species is environmental activism and helps us feel we are doing something positive that we can control.
Stephanie Haslam
