The ultimate backyard habitat

Hummingbirds love native bee balm

Enjoy attracting backyard birds? Go bigger! Gardening for wildlife creates the ultimate habitat for birds, beneficial insects and butterflies.


Start a garden space just for wildlife. If you don't have a designated bird or wildlife garden, spring is the best time to create one.

Check the website for the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding noxious plants and remove them from your garden. Check the USDA website. The site lists plants specific to Pennsylvania. Replace the bad plants with native plants which almost always suit the needs of local wildlife.

Lose some of your lawn. Grass has very little value for wildlife. Put in a garden bed here and there. You can include an area of ornamental grasses.

Never underestimate the power of a good tree. If you plan it right, it may have nectar in spring, nesting spots in summer and berries in the fall.

Lawns don't benefit birds

Along with food and shelter, water is one of the three necessities of every wildlife habitat. At the least, add a bird bath. You may be surprised who enjoys it.

Don't forget butterflies. Nectar-riich plants attract butterflies. But don't forget plants for their eggs and caterpillars. Try milkweed for monarch butterflies.


Reduce pesticide usage. When you have caterpillars, bugs and butterflies, and young birds are exploring your yard, you don't want them harmed by chemicals.

Keep cats indoors. Cats are the leading cause of backyard bird deaths. They don't belong in a backyard habitat.

It can take years for you yard to reach its full potential but don't get overwhelmed. You can still make a difference this year. 

Set goals but don't overdo it. Maybe a goal would be to add three native plants this season. Maybe it would be to create a butterfly garden. Set goals and follow through.

Bees and butterflies favor milkweed and other native plants

Involve the whole family. Explain why you want to do this. Everyone will appreciate the end result if they have a hand in developing the garden and tending. It also is a good way to get the kids outside for fresh air. We did it when we were young!

Share your success with your neighbors. Involving others will make a big difference. Let them know why you are reducing your lawn size. With more yards involved, the better the results!


Get your backyard certified by the National Wildlife Federation. Our backyard is certified, and the process is easy. They look for a wildlife habitat that includes these ingredients:

• Food. Native plants provide nectar, seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, foliage and pollen. Attract native insects.

• Water. Bird baths or a small pond or water garden. Each type is ideal.

• Cover. Trees and shrubs provide shelter from bad weather and predators.

• Places to raise young. Deciduous and evergreen trees accommodate nesting. Some species have different habitat needs in the juvenile phase such as butterflies.

Cedar Waxwings love native berries

There are many books, magazines and articles on the subject of garden development. 


Check The Bird House. Also, book stores have entire sections devoted to the subject. Even grocery stores have magazines that are a great resource.

"Rome wasn't built in a day." Most gardens aren't built either. Sometimes I think they're never done! The enjoyment is in the experience. Feel good about what you accomplish!