When landscaping, we sometimes just think about what we want and like, and forget that we aren’t the only ones using the space. There are other species that use this space as well, and we can keep them in mind when creating an ecologically friendly landscape. With proper research and planning during the design phase, your landscaping can be a home to many living things - not just people.

 

Flowers:

- Picking the right flowers can make or break any animal friendly landscape. Some flowers will attract the right insects like bees, butterflies, lady bugs and even hummingbirds. Examples of some of these flowers include marigolds, sunflowers and black-eyed susans.

- On the flip side, some flowers help keep away the pesky insects that we don’t like. Lavender, basil, marigolds and mint are some examples of the right varieties to choose.

Water features

- Water features can be very enticing for birds and insects while adding an option to introduce different varieties of plants and flowers. Something as simple as a bird bath or small pond can really enhance your landscaping.

Trees and shrubs

- Depending on your location, trees and shrubs can help out animals with protection and shelter. Birds and their nests can occupy the trees. Squirrels like to use the canopy as a home as well. Shrubs also can be used as shelter and some animals may even use them as a source of food.

So when choosing the landscaping for your space, keep in mind the animals and insects the landscaping will affect or who you want it to bring in. You may not know it but by doing this you are helping out your surroundings and helping make the world a better place.