June is a vibrant and dynamic month in the garden, filled with the activity of birds, pollinators, and amphibians. As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, your garden becomes a critical habitat for these creatures, providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Supporting wildlife in your garden not only enhances its natural beauty but also contributes to the overall health of the local ecosystem. This guide will explore how to create and maintain a wildlife-friendly garden in June, focusing on the needs of birds, pollinators, and amphibians.
The Importance of Supporting Wildlife in Your Garden
Gardens play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife, especially in urban and suburban areas where natural habitats may be limited. By creating a garden that supports birds, pollinators, and amphibians, you are helping to sustain these species and promote biodiversity.
Benefits of a Wildlife-Friendly Garden
- Biodiversity: A garden rich in wildlife supports a wide range of species, from insects to birds and small mammals, contributing to a balanced ecosystem.
- Natural Pest Control: Birds, amphibians, and beneficial insects help keep pest populations in check, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Pollination: Pollinators like bees and butterflies are essential for the reproduction of many plants, including those that produce fruits and vegetables.
- Educational Opportunities: Observing wildlife in your garden offers valuable learning experiences for both children and adults, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
Supporting Birds in Your Garden
Birds are among the most visible and cherished visitors to the garden. In June, many bird species are busy feeding their young, building nests, and preparing for the summer. Providing food, water, and safe nesting sites can help support these activities and encourage birds to make your garden their home.
1. Providing Food for Birds
In June, birds require a rich source of food to sustain themselves and their young. Offering a variety of food sources can attract different bird species to your garden.
A. Natural Food Sources
Encouraging a diverse range of plants that produce seeds, berries, and insects will naturally attract birds to your garden.
- Native Plants: Planting native trees, shrubs, and flowers is one of the best ways to support local bird populations. Plants like hawthorn, elderberry, and ivy provide berries, while sunflowers and thistles offer seeds.
- Insect-Friendly Plants: Birds like robins and blue tits rely heavily on insects to feed their chicks. Growing plants that attract insects, such as wildflowers, will help sustain these birds during the breeding season.
B. Supplemental Feeding
While natural food sources are ideal, supplemental feeding can provide a valuable boost, especially during periods of high demand, such as when birds are raising their young.
- Bird Feeders: Provide a mix of seeds, nuts, and suet in bird feeders to attract a variety of species. Black sunflower seeds, peanuts, and mealworms are particularly popular with garden birds.
- Ground Feeding: Some birds, like blackbirds and thrushes, prefer to feed on the ground. Scatter mealworms, fruit, and suet pellets on the ground to attract these species.
- Water Sources: Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing. A shallow birdbath or a simple dish of water placed in a quiet part of the garden will attract birds and help keep them hydrated.
2. Supporting Nesting and Breeding
Providing safe nesting sites and materials is crucial for supporting birds during the breeding season. Different bird species have different nesting preferences, so it’s important to cater to a variety of needs.
A. Nesting Boxes
Nesting boxes offer a safe, predator-free environment for birds to raise their young. They are particularly beneficial in gardens where natural nesting sites are scarce.
- Types of Nesting Boxes: Choose nesting boxes with entrance holes sized to suit different bird species. For example, a 25mm entrance is ideal for blue tits, while a 32mm entrance is suitable for house sparrows.
- Placement: Position nesting boxes in a sheltered area, ideally facing north or east to avoid direct sunlight and strong winds. Place them at least 2-4 meters above the ground to protect against predators.
- Maintenance: Clean out nesting boxes in late winter or early spring before the breeding season begins to reduce the risk of parasites.
B. Natural Nesting Sites
In addition to nesting boxes, providing natural nesting opportunities can help attract a wider range of bird species to your garden.
- Hedges and Shrubs: Dense hedges and shrubs offer excellent cover for birds like robins, wrens, and sparrows. Native plants such as hawthorn, holly, and ivy are particularly valuable for nesting and shelter.
- Climbing Plants: Ivy, honeysuckle, and clematis provide additional nesting opportunities, particularly for species that prefer to nest within dense foliage.
3. Protecting Birds from Predators
During the breeding season, birds and their young are particularly vulnerable to predators. Taking steps to protect them can help ensure a successful nesting period.
A. Deterring Cats
Domestic cats are one of the biggest threats to garden birds. By deterring cats from your garden, you can help protect nesting birds and fledglings.
- Cat Deterrents: Install motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic cat deterrents to keep cats away from sensitive areas. These devices are harmless but effective.
- Cat-Friendly Zones: If you own a cat, consider creating a designated area in your garden where the cat can roam without disturbing wildlife. This could be a fenced-off section with plenty of toys and climbing opportunities.
B. Protecting Ground-Nesting Birds
Some birds, like robins and blackbirds, nest close to or on the ground, making them particularly vulnerable to predators.
- Protective Cover: Plant dense ground cover, such as ferns or ornamental grasses, around nesting sites to provide extra protection. You can also create small brush piles that offer hiding spots for ground-nesting birds.
- Netting and Fencing: Use fine netting or low fencing to protect areas where ground-nesting birds are known to frequent. Ensure the netting is taut and well-secured to prevent birds from becoming entangled.
Supporting Pollinators in Your Garden
Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies, play a crucial role in the garden by pollinating flowers, which leads to the production of fruits and seeds. In June, these insects are at their most active, taking advantage of the abundant flowers in bloom. Creating a pollinator-friendly garden is essential for supporting these vital creatures.
1. Planting for Pollinators
The key to attracting and supporting pollinators is planting a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the season. In June, early and mid-summer flowering plants are particularly important.
A. Nectar-Rich Flowers
Nectar-rich flowers provide essential food sources for pollinators, offering the energy they need to thrive.
- Buddleia: Known as the “butterfly bush,” buddleia is highly attractive to butterflies and bees. It produces large, fragrant clusters of flowers that bloom from June through the summer.
- Lavender: Lavender is a favorite among bees and butterflies. Its aromatic flowers are rich in nectar and bloom profusely in early to mid-summer.
- Foxgloves: Foxgloves are tall, striking plants with bell-shaped flowers that are perfect for bumblebees. They thrive in partial shade and are ideal for woodland gardens.
B. Native Wildflowers
Native wildflowers are particularly valuable for pollinators, as they are well-suited to the local ecosystem and provide the right nutrients.
- Hawthorn: Hawthorn blossoms in May and June and is a magnet for bees. It also provides shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and other wildlife.
- Cow Parsley: Cow parsley is a common wildflower that blooms in May and June. Its delicate white flowers are loved by hoverflies, bees, and butterflies.
- Dandelions: While often considered a weed, dandelions are one of the earliest sources of nectar for bees in the spring. Allowing a few dandelions to bloom in your garden can provide an essential food source.
2. Creating Habitats for Pollinators
In addition to planting the right flowers, creating suitable habitats for pollinators is essential. This includes providing shelter, nesting sites, and water sources.
A. Insect Hotels
Insect hotels are structures designed to provide nesting and overwintering sites for solitary bees, ladybirds, and other beneficial insects.
- Building an Insect Hotel: Use materials such as bamboo canes, hollow stems, straw, and wood with drilled holes to create different compartments within the insect hotel. Place it in a sunny, sheltered spot to attract a wide range of species.
- Maintenance: Clean and replenish the materials in your insect hotel annually to keep it attractive to insects. Remove any debris and check for signs of disease or infestation.
B. Wildflower Meadows
A wildflower meadow is one of the best habitats you can create for pollinators. It provides a continuous source of food and shelter throughout the growing season.
- Creating a Wildflower Meadow: Choose a sunny spot in your garden and sow a mix of native wildflower seeds. Include a variety of species that bloom at different times to ensure a steady supply of nectar and pollen. Avoid mowing the meadow until late summer to allow the flowers to set seed.
- Maintenance: Once established, a wildflower meadow requires minimal maintenance. Remove invasive weeds and reseed any bare patches in the autumn to maintain its health.
C. Water Sources
Pollinators need access to clean water to drink and to use in nest-building. Providing a shallow water source in your garden can help meet this need.
- Creating a Pollinator Water Source: Place a shallow dish or birdbath filled with water in a sunny spot. Add stones or pebbles for insects to perch on while they drink. Keep the water clean and refill it regularly.
- Bird Baths: Bird baths can also serve as water sources for pollinators. Ensure they are shallow enough for small insects to access and maintain them as you would any other water feature.
Supporting Amphibians in Your Garden
Amphibians, including frogs, toads, and newts, are valuable allies in the garden, helping to control pests like slugs and insects. In June, amphibians are active and may be breeding or foraging in and around garden ponds and damp areas. Providing suitable habitats and food sources can help support these creatures in your garden.
1. Creating and Maintaining Garden Ponds
A garden pond is one of the best features you can add to support amphibians. Ponds provide breeding grounds, shelter, and a source of food for amphibians.
A. Building a Wildlife Pond
A wildlife pond doesn’t have to be large to be effective. Even a small pond can attract a variety of amphibians and other wildlife.
- Location: Choose a spot that receives partial sunlight and is sheltered from strong winds. Avoid placing the pond under trees where falling leaves can accumulate.
- Design: Create a pond with varying depths, including shallow areas where amphibians can enter and exit the water easily. Include shelves or ledges for planting aquatic plants.
- Plants: Add a mix of submerged, floating, and marginal plants to the pond. Plants like water lilies, pondweed, and marsh marigold provide cover, breeding sites, and food for amphibians.
B. Pond Maintenance
Maintaining a wildlife pond is essential to keeping it healthy and attractive to amphibians.
- Water Quality: Avoid using tap water, which can contain chemicals harmful to amphibians. Instead, use rainwater or allow tap water to stand for 24 hours before adding it to the pond.
- Debris Removal: Remove fallen leaves and other debris from the pond regularly to prevent it from decomposing and affecting water quality.
- Pond Edges: Ensure the edges of the pond are shallow and sloped, allowing amphibians easy access to the water.
2. Creating Damp Habitats
In addition to ponds, amphibians need damp, sheltered areas to thrive. Creating these habitats in your garden can help attract and support amphibians.
A. Log Piles and Leaf Litter
Log piles and leaf litter are natural shelters that amphibians use for breeding, foraging, and overwintering.
- Creating a Log Pile: Stack logs of varying sizes in a quiet corner of the garden. Leave gaps between the logs for amphibians to crawl into. Over time, the pile will also attract insects, providing a food source.
- Maintaining Leaf Litter: Allow fallen leaves to accumulate in garden beds or under trees. This provides a natural mulch and habitat for amphibians and other wildlife.
B. Damp, Shaded Areas
Amphibians prefer cool, damp environments, particularly during the hot summer months.
- Shaded Planting: Plant ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving plants in damp areas of the garden to create a cool, moist microclimate.
- Water Features: If you don’t have space for a pond, a simple water feature like a small fountain or a damp, shaded area with a birdbath can provide the moisture amphibians need.
3. Avoiding Chemicals
Amphibians are highly sensitive to chemicals, so it’s important to avoid using pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in areas where they are likely to be present.
- Natural Pest Control: Use organic or natural methods to control pests in your garden. Encourage beneficial insects, birds, and amphibians to help keep pest populations in check.
- Organic Fertilizers: If you need to fertilize your garden, choose organic fertilizers that are less likely to harm amphibians. Compost and well-rotted manure are good options.
Conclusion
June is a crucial month for supporting wildlife in your garden. By focusing on the needs of birds, pollinators, and amphibians, you can create a thriving, biodiverse garden that not only enhances its beauty but also contributes to the health of the local ecosystem. From providing food and shelter to creating suitable habitats and avoiding harmful chemicals, the steps you take now will have a lasting impact on the wildlife that visits your garden. With careful planning and attention to detail, your garden can become a haven for wildlife throughout the summer and beyond.
