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Wildlife-Friendly Winter Gardens
Introduction
Winter can be a tough time for wildlife. Many animals are hibernating, and food is scarce. But there are some plants that can provide food and shelter for wildlife during the winter months.
Best Winter Plants for Wildlife
Here are some of the best plants to grow in your garden to attract wildlife in winter:
- Rose hips: These nutritious fruits are loved by birds and small mammals.
- Leaf litter: Leaves provide hibernacula for amphibians and hedgehogs.
- Ivy berries: These berries are an important source of food for birds and small mammals.
- Winter clematis: This plant flowers from November to February, providing food for bees and other insects.
- Winter honeysuckle: Another great winter flower for bees.
- Mahonia: This plant produces blue berries that are loved by birds.
- Daphne: This plant has fragrant flowers that bloom in winter.
- Winter heather: This plant provides nectar for bees and other insects.
How to Make Your Garden Wildlife-Friendly in Winter
In addition to planting wildlife-friendly plants, there are other things you can do to make your garden more welcoming to wildlife in winter:
- Avoid cutting back berrying plants, as the berries provide food for birds and small mammals.
- Leave plant material where it falls, as it provides shelter for hibernating insects and other animals.
- Avoid disturbing your compost heap, as it may be home to overwintering wildlife.
- Leave as much of your garden as possible intact over winter to ensure wildlife can hibernate safely.
By following these tips, you can create a winter garden that is both beautiful and beneficial to wildlife.
