An animal-friendly garden: how to make your garden a paradise for wildlife

An animal-friendly garden is not only a feast for the eyes, but also an important contribution to the protection of native wildlife and the promotion of biodiversity. In this guide, you will learn how to design and maintain your garden so that birds, insects, small mammals and amphibians can find a home here. Let's work together to make your garden a safe, welcoming place for native wildlife.

Table of contents

• Wildlife habitat design in the garden
• Plant diversity and natural design
• Sustainable garden care for animal welfare
• Avoid dangers for animals in the garden

Wildlife habitat design in the garden

Create nesting opportunities

One of the best ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden is to put up nesting boxes for birds. Make sure that the nesting boxes are weatherproof and securely placed to offer the animals protection from the weather and predators. Self-built insect hotels are an ideal solution for insects such as bees and butterflies. These hotels not only offer beneficial insects a safe haven, but also promote pollination and the ecological balance in your garden.

Creating a pond and watering holes

A pond is not only an eye-catcher, but also a valuable habitat for frogs, dragonflies and other amphibians. For smaller gardens, birdbaths and shallow water points offer a good alternative. Place these water sources in a shady spot and make sure they are cleaned regularly. This provides a safe place for animals to drink and bathe on hot days and supports biodiversity in your garden.

Plant diversity and natural design

Nectar-rich plants for bees and butterflies

An animal-friendly garden is also an insect-friendly garden. Flowering plants such as lavender, coneflower and summer lilac provide bees and butterflies with an important source of food. It is best to choose plants that have a long flowering period to provide the animals with nectar and pollen all year round. With a wide variety of nectar-rich plants, you can ensure that your garden is full of life and colour.

Promoting native and wild plant species

Native plants are ideal for animal-friendly gardens as they are easy to care for and provide animals with a natural food source. Plants such as wild roses, brambles or hawthorn are decorative and attract birds and insects. A flower strip with native wildflowers adds colour to the garden and also attracts pollinating insects. By choosing plants like these, you can create a natural garden that is perfectly tailored to the needs of native wildlife.

No pesticides and artificial fertilisers

For an animal-friendly garden, you should avoid pesticides and artificial fertilisers, as they are harmful to animals and insects. Instead, you can use organic alternatives that are gentle on the soil and plants, such as a wildlife-friendly lawn fertiliser. Natural fertilisers such as compost or horn shavings provide a good source of nutrients and promote healthy soil life. In this way, you can create an ecological garden that benefits animals and plants alike.

Sustainable garden care for animal welfare

Considerate handling of mowing and cutting equipment

Care must be taken when mowing the lawn and trimming hedges to protect small animals. Modern, gentle garden tools are quieter and safer for the animals in your garden. Make sure you don't cut the grass too short and check the area for hedgehogs or other small animals before mowing. With these simple measures, you can protect the animal inhabitants of your garden from unnecessary stress and injury.

Composting instead of disposal

A compost heap is not only practical, but also a valuable habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. The compost provides food and shelter for many animals and also supplies your garden with natural nutrients. A carefully maintained compost heap reduces waste and makes an important contribution to the natural cycle in your garden. This allows you to create a natural environment that enriches the soil and wildlife.

Avoid dangers for animals in the garden

Safe garden ponds and watering holes

A garden pond can become a danger for small animals such as hedgehogs if they cannot find a way out. Build shallow banks or place branches that allow animals to get out of the water on their own. A pond cover can also prevent animals from falling into the water and not getting out again. This will ensure that your animal-friendly garden remains safe for all visitors.

Avoiding traps and sources of danger

Open rubbish bins, wire fences or garden nets can be dangerous for animals. Make sure that such objects are well secured or covered to avoid injuries or traps for animals. Bed covers should also be chosen so that they are safe for animals. With these simple precautions, you can make your garden a safer place for wildlife.

Summary

An animal-friendly garden is not only a contribution to nature conservation, but also an enrichment for you. By creating nesting sites, choosing plants that are close to nature, avoiding chemicals and caring for your garden carefully, you can create a protected and sustainable environment. Your garden will become a living biotope that offers wildlife food, protection and a habitat. Every step you take towards a natural and animal-friendly garden promotes biodiversity and supports a species-rich, healthy environment.

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