I just found your newsletter and am enjoying it! Thank you. I wonder if you might share more about your first tip about the garden being a mosaic of smaller habitats? I have a new yard with no landscaping, and I'm so unsure of how to start. Thinking in terms of smaller habitats resonates with me. But how to tie them all together?
Thanks for reaching out, it can be overwhelming when you’re starting from scratch. Creating a variety of habitats can be as simple as adding different levels to the space.
Rather than a completely flat surface, try adding some hills, low spots and/or features like boulders, retaining walls or deadwood. They can help define the space and build micro ecosystems, since each will have unique properties (moisture, drainage and exposure). The trick is find the best plant material, adapted to each area.
Also, it helps to choose an overall feeling or theme that you want the space to have. Repeated elements (colours, form etc) will make the entire space feel connected and whole. There’s no reason that you can’t have a garden that has style and is wildlife friendly at the same time. I recently heard someone say, the bees don’t care what it looks like. 😉
I just found your newsletter and am enjoying it! Thank you. I wonder if you might share more about your first tip about the garden being a mosaic of smaller habitats? I have a new yard with no landscaping, and I'm so unsure of how to start. Thinking in terms of smaller habitats resonates with me. But how to tie them all together?
Thanks for reaching out, it can be overwhelming when you’re starting from scratch. Creating a variety of habitats can be as simple as adding different levels to the space.
Rather than a completely flat surface, try adding some hills, low spots and/or features like boulders, retaining walls or deadwood. They can help define the space and build micro ecosystems, since each will have unique properties (moisture, drainage and exposure). The trick is find the best plant material, adapted to each area.
Also, it helps to choose an overall feeling or theme that you want the space to have. Repeated elements (colours, form etc) will make the entire space feel connected and whole. There’s no reason that you can’t have a garden that has style and is wildlife friendly at the same time. I recently heard someone say, the bees don’t care what it looks like. 😉
Thank you!! This is helpful and I really appreciate you taking the time to reply.
Anytime, good luck with your landscaping.