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Go Wild in May: Create a Haven for Wildlife in Your Garden
Discover the best plants to attract wildlife to your garden in May.
May is a month of new life and growth in the garden. The days are longer, the temperatures are warmer, and there’s a chorus of birdsong in the air. It’s the perfect time to create a haven for wildlife in your garden.
Here are a few tips:
- Plant flowers that bloom in May. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are essential for a healthy ecosystem, so plant plenty of flowers that bloom in May to provide them with food. Some good choices include hawthorn, foxgloves, and wildflowers.
- Create a water source. Birds, bees, and other animals need water to survive, so make sure to provide a water source in your garden. A birdbath or a shallow pond are both good options.
- Provide shelter. Wildlife needs places to hide from predators and the elements. Plant trees and shrubs with dense foliage, and create piles of brush or logs in your garden.
- Avoid using pesticides. Pesticides can harm wildlife, so avoid using them in your garden. There are many natural ways to control pests, such as using companion planting or attracting beneficial insects.
Featured Plants for May:
- Hawthorn: Hawthorn trees and shrubs are known for their beautiful white blossoms, which are a favorite of pollinators. The berries that follow the blossoms are also a valuable food source for birds.
- Foxgloves: Foxgloves are tall, stately plants with showy flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are a favorite of bees, and the seeds that follow the flowers are a food source for birds.
- No Mow May: Consider letting your lawn grow long in May. Longer grass provides habitat for a variety of insects and small animals, and the wildflowers that crop up will feed pollinators.
