Mid-May marks the traditional start of the growing season in most of Colorado. The threat of frost has passed and gardeners of all abilities are busy pruning and planting. They are hoping their efforts generate abundant flowers, bountiful produce, and lush lawns. Making one’s yard look good can be rewarding, but gardeners can also create a haven for wildlife. Birds, butterflies, frogs, and other animals can all benefit from a thoughtful landscape plan.
Granted, gardening with wildlife in mind may seem like a lot to ask. For beginning gardeners, the challenge of just getting something to grow consumes all their efforts. What plants can possibly handle the Centennial state’s clay soils, fluctuating temperatures, drying winds, and intense sunlight?
Surprisingly, the plants best adapted for this climate and easiest to grow are the very same plants that provide the best food and cover for wildlife. The easiest plants to grow are the natives! They are well adapted to survive in this region and attract native pollinators and seed dispersers. Master gardeners have already learned this and incorporate natives into their landscape. These experts plan for year-round beauty and color, graced by tiny iridescent hummingbirds, fluttering butterflies, and twittering songbirds.
If you are interested in growing a garden that provides food, water, cover, and a place for wildlife to raise their young but don’t know where to start, don’t throw in your trowel. There are hundreds of resources to turn to for help. Here are some of them:
Audubon Colorado has an exciting outreach program called Audubon at Home (AAH). AAH focuses on improving neighborhood wildlife habitats for birds and other animals. http://co.audubon.org/aah_habhap.html
Colorado State University Extension is a go-to resource for any gardening-related topic. There is expert advice on both attracting and discouraging wildlife. If you want to know which plants will keep the local herd of deer from visiting your backyard, CSU extension can help you. You can even learn how to preserve produce from your garden!
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/index.html
For more than 35 years, National Wildlife Federation's Certified Wildlife Habitat program has helped people garden for wildlife. They can give you tips and help you certify your yard as wildlife-friendly.
http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Outdoor-Activities/Garden-for-Wildlife.aspx
eNature provides a state-specific native garden and invasive plant guide. Along with these plant lists, there are helpful tips for getting started.
http://enature.com/native_invasive/