Protect your garden wildlife this autumn
Although spring is more commonly associated with wildlife, autumn is also very important.
As gardeners, it’s important to find balance with the nature we surround ourselves with. Here is how you can help the wildlife in your garden get through the winter.
Leave your herbaceous borders
By not rushing to cut down decaying herbaceous borders, you will be gifting small mammals and insects with the cosiest, natural bedding.
Remaining seed heads provide birds with a great source of oil-rich food while you get to watch the spectacle of their comings and goings.
Give your pond a tidy
As we get into the colder months, frogs will begin making their beds in the muddy depths of your pond. Without you noticing, decaying plant matter sitting on the surface of your pond releases gas which, when the pond freezes, gets trapped. This gas is toxic to frogs who absorb it through their skin while hibernating.
By removing this debris before your pond freezes, you will be helping to keep these amphibious animals safe. Also, adding a tennis or golf ball to your pond before it freezes will allow any toxic gases that do occur to escape.
Use the autumn leaves
Sweep any fallen leaves from your pathways and patio and move them under hedges and borders. You will be creating the perfect home for sleepy hedgehogs!
Leave your lawn
Now is the time for your lawn mower to go into hibernation.
By saving yourself the job of cutting the grass, you will be creating the perfect animal and insect sanctuary for the colder months.
Give the birds a home
As birds don’t hibernate, they need to keep warm and dry throughout winter. Installing nesting boxes, or clearing out old ones, gives our feathered friends shelter from the elements at night.
If you give them a safe home now, they may even choose to raise their young in your garden in the spring.
Rehoming butterflies
Butterflies often come inside the home during the winter months and become confused by the warmth of our central heating. It is best to transfer them to an area with a more consistent temperature where they will be much happier; sheds and garages are best. Don’t forget to allow them to leave in spring.
To prevent damaging their scales (the dust on top of their wings), it is best to use a shoe box to move the butterfly.
Create a bug hotel
You don’t need to spend money to give your bugs a home this autumn / winter.
By stacking any unused plant pots in a sheltered spot in your garden or piling up twigs and sticks, you will be giving insects a place of refuge against the elements.