by GardeningOnline
9. November 2009 20:43
There is a dramatic beauty about winter in the garden as deciduous trees and shrubs provide stunning displays as their leaves develop into old age before falling and providing wonderful winter stem effects, but what is really important about winter in the garden is the creatures who call our gardens ‘home’ during the winter months. As gardeners (budding and mature) the outdoor space we create is for us to admire and play in. However, you would be amazed at how much wildlife share this space with us. There is a great diversity of fauna living in our garden’s delicate ecosysytem and it’s these ‘good guys’ that we want to encourage. It isn’t just so we can feel good about ourselves – though is it a wonderful feeling to see your bird table as busy as a popular deli – no, the reason we should be doing this is because they truly can help our garden grow. From the tiny little ladybird that will happily munch away on greenfly and other aphids, to the birds who are a natural predator for slugs and snail, these critters will lend a helping hand all year long if we provide the right home for them. By using chemical formulations either in liquid or pellet form you will upset these useful creatures and thereby upset the balance in your garden. You will encourage birds into the garden by placing bird feeders, baths and tables and also by planting plants the produce winter berries. As I write this, for instance, I am being serenaded by a cacophony of birdsong. I don’t know enough about birds to be able to identify which ones are singing, but I cn tell from where I am sitting that it is a pretty big orchestra. So next time you moan about the birds having stripped your Holly bush or your Skimmia, just remember that they will repay you tenfold by taking care of many of your garden pest problems over the following year. It is believed that domestic gardens accomodate over 60% of all wildlife in Ireland Keep in mind that once you have attracted these creatures to your garden, many of them will need care over the winter. One of the easiest ways of protecting them is by planting a self producing food source in the form of winter berried plants. There are of course many varieties that would be suitable, but one of the most popular is Ilex or Holly. This plant, synonomos obviously with Christmas, is a very important plant in the garden for maintaining the natural order. These majestic plants are also at risk of becoming endangered so so plant one if you have space for one in the garden. Other berried plants that create a wonderful winter display and provide food for the birds are: Pyracantha, Skimmia, Callicarpa, Cotoneaster among others
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