March: A Wildlife Haven in Your Garden
Wildlife in March
March is a time of awakening for wildlife. Bees are busy buzzing around early flowers like primroses and crocuses, while frogspawn fills the ponds. Toads lay their eggs in ribbons around the stems of plants like marsh marigolds.
Dawn Chorus
As the days get longer, the dawn chorus grows louder. Dunnocks, song thrushes, and greenfinches join the robins, wrens, and blackbirds that have been singing all winter. Listen for the drumming of woodpeckers, a sure sign that spring is on its way.
Wildlife-Friendly Plants
To attract wildlife to your garden in March, plant flowers that bloom early, such as blackthorn and hazel. Dandelions, although often considered weeds, are a vital food source for bees and other pollinators.
Blackthorn
Blackthorn is one of the first shrubs to blossom in March. Its white flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees and other insects. In autumn, the flowers turn into sloes, which can be used to make gin and jams.
Hazel
Hazel catkins are some of the earliest blooms to appear in the year. They are pollinated by wind and produce hazelnuts in autumn.
Dandelions
Dandelions are a common sight in March. They may be considered weeds, but they are a valuable food source for bees and other pollinators. Dandelion seeds also provide food for goldfinches, and their leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of several moth species.
By planting these wildlife-friendly plants, you can create a haven for wildlife in your garden.
