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Backyard Habitat
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Landscaping for wildlife (naturescaping) is gardening at its very best. Native plants, when chosen, require the least amount of care, leaving more time for enjoying the garden. Birds play an important part in planting a natural habitat. The seeds that have been eaten are passed in excrement, landing where it will surly grow to produce fruit and nectar for the next generation. It is always a treat to see just what are feathered friends have planted with each new growing season. It is your choice to keep the new plants or treat them as weeds. For homeowners, the benefits include more leisure time and the joy of creating a more personal landscape. The use of native plants usually means reduced maintenance-less watering, less pruning, little or no fertilizer, and less weeding and mowing.
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Native plant use is basic to naturescaping. The native plants have adapted over the millennia to the local climate as well as most of the locally-occurring pests and diseases. They are also familiar to local wildlife that will use them for food or cover. Using native plants is one of the very best things you can do for wildlife. The National Wildlife Federation has found that native plants support 10- 15 times more wildlife species than non-natives. |
Creating a naturescape, or-recreating a natural habitat, involves four basic elements:
Creating a naturescape, or-recreating a natural habitat, involves four basic elements:
First, all wildlife needs water to survive. Though a few species of animals get water through the food they eat, most animals need water to drink as well.
Second, food is an obvious necessity. Whether it is berries, nuts, seeds or foliage, or less obvious foods like nectar, pollen, insects, or detritus, the food must be available to create the habitat.
Third, cover-also referred to as shelter- must be provided as protection from the elements and from predators. The cover is also a place to rest and raise the young.
Fourth, space must be available. The habitat must provide enough territory to support the species and population that that you are trying to achieve. |
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Black Eyed Susan |
Butterfly Weed |
Ox-Eye Daisy |
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Blazing Star |
Blazing Star |
Cup Plant |
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Phlox |
Queen of the Prairie |
Swamp Milkweed |
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Strawberry |
Pokeweed |
Male Cardinal |
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