If looking out your window to find flocks of goldfinches and butterflies rather than a desolate stretch of manicured lawn, then why not go natural? Paradoxically, converting a thirsty, high maintenance lawn into a carefree natural landscape that attracts abundant wildlife requires careful planning.

Keep in mind that in the wild, plants are part of a community. In your naturalized garden, you are recreating these habitats by using native plants that thrive together.

Naturalized gardens attract wildlife. But if attracting wildlife is the main purpose of your naturalization project, you will have to pay attention to four basic elements: food, water, shelter and space. Wildlife tends to congregate where two different habitats meet. Therefore, try to design your yard to alternate plant masses with open areas. This so-called edge effect will encourage species diversity.

Try to choose plants that provide food and shelter for a variety of animals. Select many different plants, with differing heights and characteristics, such as textures and colours. Shrubs and trees should be planted in clumps or hedgerows to provide a dense habitat and protection for a variety of wildlife. Combining trees, shrubs, vines and herbaceous plants will increase the diversity of wildlife that is attracted to your yard.

Choose plants that are native to your area, as they tend to be better adapted to the climate, rainfall patterns, soil conditions and local pests and diseases. Native plants are hardy and, in general, easier to grow than exotic species. Consult your local garden centre, master gardener or horticultural society for advice on the best methods of soil preparation and species that will thrive in your area.

Before you purchase seedlings or bedding plants, ask about their source, as removing plants from the wild disrupts native plant communities. The only time it is acceptable to remove plants from wild areas is if they are slated for development.

You might want to plant native grasses indigenous to your area. In this way, you can help restore the native sod found in open areas before agriculture and development took over.

Many native grasses are naturally low-growing, which means they can be left unmowed. Others grow taller and send up seed bearing stems in late summer and early fall. It’s best to intermingle a variety of native grasses – cool- and warm-season grasses, short and tall varieties. All grasses require full sun and well-drained soil.

If you prefer a neater look (or if you live in the city and worry about what the local government or neighbours will say), you can mow your natural lawn once or twice a season. Avoid cutting during nesting times, so you don’t disturb the small mammals and ground-nesting birds that will make their homes there.

Soil preparation is as important as the choice of plants. Generally, to prepare for a woodland garden, dig in lots of compost and rotted manure. For a prairie or meadow garden, don’t add anything to the soil. But do get rid of the weeds and any existing grass. For a wetland garden, remove unwanted vegetation and add some compost or well-rotted manure.

For all types of natural landscaping, it’s helpful to break up clumps of soil and rake the area smooth before planting.

Some wildlife species actually benefit from material you may consider waste. Brush, rocks, leaf litter and logs will make your yard more attractive to a number of birds, small mammals, toads and salamanders. A pile of brush can act as shelter for cottontail rabbits, squirrels, mice, voles and birds. Old logs or tree stumps may provide a nesting site for cavity-nesting birds and small mammals, and a food source for insects and birds.

Water is an important element in your natural landscape. Bird baths are often favoured as a source of water since the height usually allows birds to have a view of predators. Even so, the Ontario Federation of Naturalists advises that the bird bath should be located in an open space with cover available within approximately three metres.

Dripping or running water will attract an even wider variety of birds to your property. If you don’t have a natural waterfall, you can install a fountain or other water feature. However, a simple pan on the ground can be an effective and affordable way to provide water for birds, and it may serve other forms of wildlife unable to reach an elevated bath.

You may also wish to create a pond or wetland, which will attract its own unique range of wildlife, such as raccoons, bats, frogs, toads and insects.

Resources:

Canadian Wildflower Society
4981 Highway 7 E, Unit 12A, Suite 228
Markham ON L3R 1N1

Landscape Ontario
Horticultural Trades Association
1293 Matheson Blvd.
Mississauga ON L4W 1R1
(416) 629-1184(information on outlets for native stock)

Federation of Ontario Naturalists
355 Lesmill Rd.
Don Mills ON M3B 2W8
(416) 444-8419
website: www.ontarionature.org

Evergreen Foundation
355 Adelaide Street West - Suite 5A
Toronto ON M5V 1S2
(416) 596-1495
or
410-744 West Hastings St.
Vancouver BC V6C 1A5
Website: www.evergreen.ca

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